Expert Building Design in Wahroonga

Wahroonga is one of Ku-ring-gai’s most prestigious suburbs—known for its heritage-listed homes, generous lots, leafy canopies, and elegant street appeal. From classic Federation estates to modern architectural builds on sloping blocks, designing in Wahroonga demands a balance of timeless design and compliance with strict planning controls.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Wahroonga. Whether you’re planning a sympathetic renovation, knockdown-rebuild, or dual living setup, we tailor every design to match the land, the home’s character, and Ku-ring-gai Council expectations.

We proudly serve Wahroonga with refined, regulation-ready designs that respect the past and build for the future.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Wahroonga?

  • Character-Driven Design: Perfect for conservation zones and heritage properties

  • Custom Layouts for Large Blocks: Spacious living, entertaining, and multi-generational spaces

  • Tree-Conscious Planning: We design around mature vegetation and navigate TPOs

  • Experienced with Elevated Sites: Homes designed for slope, access, and aspect

  • Council-Approved Outcomes: All plans, reports, and approvals handled under one roof

Our Wahroonga building designs blend classic North Shore elegance with modern lifestyle practicality.

Ku-ring-gai Council Requirements for Building in Wahroonga

 

  • Zoning:

    • Primarily R2 Low Density Residential with widespread heritage and environmental overlays

  • Setbacks:

    • Front: Typically 6–9m, with variation for heritage streetscapes

    • Side: 900mm–1.5m based on height

    • Rear: Varies by slope, size, and vegetation

  • Typical Lot Sizes:

    • 900–2,500+ sqm; many sites feature sloping contours, sandstone outcrops, or established gardens

  • Key Constraints:

    • BAL-12.5 to BAL-40 for bush-adjacent properties

    • Tree Preservation Orders—most removals require formal assessment

    • Character streetscape controls impact façade, roof, and material selection

    • Overland flow and drainage design required on steeper sites

  • Utilities:

    • All town services available—stormwater upgrades may apply in older areas

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

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the Ku-ring-gai Council website.

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

With heritage overlays, trees, and slope considerations, most builds require a DA. Most residential developments fall under either a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC).

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

DA (Development Application):

  • Ideal for renovations, character-sensitive builds, or bushfire-prone sites

  • We handle everything from design and reports to council coordination

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Possible on compliant lots without overlays or slope

  • We review eligibility and pursue this path if viable

Need help figuring out which route suits your site? We’ll assess your block and walk you through your options.

 

FAQs About Building Design in Wahroonga

  • Yes, with care. We design homes that respect the rhythm, scale, and materials of heritage areas while offering contemporary interiors and energy efficiency.

  • We adapt the layout to work with natural features—often using split-level designs, terraces, and minimal excavation to keep costs and disruption low.

  • Only on larger lots that meet zoning criteria. We assess your site and explore options such as attached granny flats or detached studios.

  • Nope! While we're familiar with Ku-ring-gai and its suburbs—like Turramurra, Wahroonga, and Pymble—we also work across the North Shore, Northern Beaches, and beyond. We’re open to select projects up to 4 hours from the Ku-ring-gai 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?

From custom home designs to council-ready plans, we’re here to guide your project every step of the way. Let’s bring your vision to life — reach out today.

Our Building Design Services in Wahroonga

We create bespoke designs for heritage renovations, knockdown-rebuilds, extensions, and secondary dwellings that respond to the local character and land conditions.

From concept to council approval, our Wahroonga building design services ensure quality, compliance, and peace of mind at every stage.

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

Take a closer look at our projects in heritage suburbs—where old-world charm meets new-world functionality through smart design and expert council navigation.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Our Wahroonga building design services bring your ideas to life without compromising on regulations or elegance.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Wahroonga?

We’re here to help you take the next step! whether you’re

starting fresh or upgrading a family estate.

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 serves the entire Ku-ring-gai area—from Pymble and Turramurra to Roseville and Wahroonga. No matter the suburb, we bring the same precision and local insight to every design.