Expert Building Design in Wahroonga

Wahroonga is renowned for its grand heritage homes, expansive leafy lots, and premium lifestyle amenities. With top private schools like Knox Grammar, boutique shopping along Wahroonga Village, and proximity to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, the suburb offers an elevated blend of elegance and tranquillity.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Wahroonga—providing bespoke home designs, heritage-sensitive renovations, and upscale extensions that respect the suburb’s character while meeting Hornsby Shire Council regulations. Whether you’re restoring a Federation-era residence or crafting a modern architectural statement, our plans ensure both beauty and compliance.

DMR Designs proudly services Wahroonga and every suburb across the Hornsby Shire Council area. We also take on select high-end projects up to 4 hours from the region.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Wahroonga?

  • Heritage & Contemporary Expertise: We balance period detail with modern functionality for outstanding results.

  • Large-Lot Specialists: We optimize sprawling blocks—designing secluded courtyards, pools, and outdoor living zones.

  • Council & Covenant Compliance: Whether it’s heritage overlays or local bushfire controls, we handle all requirements.

  • Full-Service Project Coordination: From arborist reports to certifier lodgement, we manage every detail.

  • Luxury Renovations & Rebuilds: Ideal for clients seeking high-end finishes and precise craftsmanship.

Our Wahroonga building design projects merge timeless elegance with rigorous planning standards to create homes that stand out.

The Hornsby Shire Council Requirements for Building in Wahroonga

  • General Setbacks:

    • Front: 6–12m (depending on covenant) | Side: 900mm–2m based on height and heritage controls

  • Floor Space Ratio (FSR):

    • Typically up to 0.4:1 in R2 zones; can vary under private estate covenants

  • Average Block Size:

    • 1,000–2,500+ sqm, with many properties featuring heritage gardens

  • Zoning:

    • Primarily R2 Low Density Residential, with pockets of Heritage Conservation Areas (HCAs)

  • Local Considerations:

    • Heritage Conservation Areas require additional heritage impact statements. Many lots also fall within BAL zones, necessitating bushfire assessments.

Building in Wahroonga requires careful consideration of zoning overlays, bushfire ratings, and environmental planning policies.

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the The Hornsby Shire Council website.

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Wahroonga Project?

Most Wahroonga projects require a Development Application (DA), particularly in Heritage Conservation Areas or BAL-rated zones.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you understand the difference:

DA (Development Application):

  • Required for heritage-sensitive work, large extensions, or new builds in HCA

  • Allows for tailored design and heritage consultant input

  • Lodged with Hornsby Shire Council

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • May apply to internal renovations or minor works outside heritage zones

  • Assessed by a private certifier

  • Limited in scope due to overlays

We’ll evaluate your site and guide you to the most fitting approval pathway.

 

FAQs About Building Design in Wahroonga

  • They are possible but heavily regulated. We ensure your design aligns with character controls and council expectations.

  • Often yes—especially for tree removal or significant alterations in HCA. We coordinate these experts.

  • Most projects move from concept to submission in 6–10 weeks, depending on complexity.

  • Not at all—we also work across the entire Hornsby region, including Mount Colah, Hornsby, and Waitara. We're also available for select projects up to 4 hours away from The Hornsby Shire Council area.

  • Cost depends on the scope of your project. We’ll walk you through pricing during your discovery call so you know exactly what to expect.

Ready to take the next step?

We’re here to help you take the next step—whether you’re planning a brand-new build or modernizing a classic home.

Our Building Design Services in Wahroonga

We offer custom home designs, heritage restorations, luxury extensions, pool pavilions, and landscape-integrated plans. Every project is crafted with an eye for detail and deep respect for Wahroonga’s distinguished streetscapes.

From elegant additions to architecturally striking new homes, our Wahroonga building design services deliver sophisticated, compliant results—stress free.

What to Expect: Our Building Design Timeline

A step-by-step look at how we take your project from concept to council approval and beyond.

Every project starts with a discovery call and ends with council-approved, build-ready plans.

Here’s how we make it easy from start to finish:

Step 1 - Discovery Call

  • Let’s chat! We’ll have a quick call to understand your project and see how we can help.

Step 2 -Site Visit & Consultation (5–7 days)

  • We’ll meet at your site (or virtually), take a closer look, and discuss your vision in detail.

Step 3 - Fee Proposal (2 days)

  • You’ll get a clear, no-surprises proposal with the scope, timeline, and costs.

Step 4 - Concept Design (4 weeks)

  • We’ll create initial design ideas and layouts tailored just for you.

Step 5 - Design Development & Expert Coordination (2 weeks)

  • We’ll fine-tune the design and collaborate with any needed specialists (engineer, energy consultant, town planner, geo tech engineer, bushfire, heritage consultant, etc).

Step 6 - Final Adjustments (1 week)

  • We’ll polish everything and prepare the final drawings for submission.

Step 7 - Submission for Approval

  • We handle the council or certifier submission, so you’re ready for the next steps.

Want the full breakdown?

View our detailed process here.

From Plans to Reality: See How It All Comes Together

Explore how we’ve helped Wahroonga homeowners create refined, character-rich homes that comply with every requirement.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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From grand restorations to contemporary estates, our Wahroonga building design services blend prestige with precision—stress free.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Wahroonga?

We’re here to help you take the next step—whether you’re planning a brand-new build or modernizing a classic home.

We’d love to hear what you have in mind. Book a discovery call or send us a message, and we’ll be in touch within 48 hours.

Not based in Wahroonga?

DMR Designs proudly services the entire Hornsby Shire Council area—from the riverside homes of Brooklyn and Berowra Waters to the leafy streets of Beecroft, Wahroonga, and Westleigh. Wherever you're building across the Shire, we bring the same expert process and personalized design approach to every project.