Building Design for Knockdown Rebuild Projects in Sydney
Custom home design, architectural drafting and DA, CDC and Construction Certificate documentation for replacing an existing home with a new, individually designed residence.
Why Choose Us for Your Knockdown Rebuild
30+ Years' Experience
Residential design experience in established suburbs, sloping blocks and complex sites.
Personally Led
Work directly with Luke from concept to architectural drafting and approvals.
Custom Home Design
A new home designed around your lifestyle, property, orientation, views and budget.
Planning & Approvals
Independent Advice
Independent of builders, with clearly defined fee proposals based on scopel
Designing a New Home on Your Existing Block
Knockdown Rebuild Design, Plans & Approvals
Replacing an older home creates an opportunity to rethink how your property is used.
A knockdown rebuild may be worth considering when extensive renovations cannot deliver the layout, comfort or functionality you need.
Before design begins, it is important to understand what the land can accommodate, including:
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Zoning, setbacks, building height and site coverage
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Slope, access, easements and drainage
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Orientation, natural light, views and privacy
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Trees, bushfire, heritage and other environmental controls
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Demolition requirements and existing services
These considerations help establish a realistic direction for the new home.
Site & Planning Review
Assessment of the existing property, site conditions, planning controls and likely approval pathway.
Custom Home Design
Site-specific floor plans and external design, incorporating passive solar principles, natural light, ventilation and practical family living.
Architectural Drafting
Preparation of concept plans, elevations, sections, site plans and other drawings required as the project develops.
DA, CDC & Construction Certificate Documentation
Architectural drafting plans and documentation for the appropriate council or private certifier approval pathway.
Consultant Coordination
Coordination of surveyors, engineers, BASIX/NatHERS assessors and other specialists as required.
Detailed Documentation
Construction plans and optional interior detailing, including kitchens, bathrooms, joinery, fixtures, finishes and materials.
Knockdown Rebuild Projects Across Sydney & NSW
Selected projects showing how individual site conditions have influenced the design of a new home.
Steep & Sloping Sites
Wheeler Heights House | Northern Beaches
Contemporary family home on a narrow, steeply sloping block, incorporating a basement garage, secondary dwelling and outdoor living.
Narrow & Established Urban Sites
Hill Street House | Leichhardt
Award-winning contemporary home designed for a compact 327 m² inner-city property, balancing family living, privacy and natural light.
Acreage & Environmental Constraints
Acreage knockdown rebuild responding to a restricted building footprint, biodiversity controls, bushfire exposure and established vegetation.
Flood-Affected Land
Riverfront knockdown rebuild designed around required floor levels, flood planning controls and the site's relationship with the river.
Custom Acreage Homes
Contemporary single-storey residence designed as a knockdown rebuild on an established acreage property.
Knockdown Rebuild FAQs
Is it better to renovate or knock down and rebuild?
It depends on the condition of the existing home, the extent of changes required, your budget and what the property can accommodate.
If the existing house has a sound structure and suitable layout, renovating may be more practical. A knockdown rebuild may be preferable when extensive structural changes would still leave major compromises.
Read our Renovate, Extend or Rebuild Guide →
Can you design a knockdown rebuild on a difficult block?
Yes. We have experience with sloping land, narrow sites, bushfire-prone properties, flood controls, biodiversity restrictions and other planning constraints. The feasibility of a new home depends on the requirements affecting the particular property.
Does a knockdown rebuild require a DA or CDC?
Not always a Development Application. Some replacement homes may qualify for a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), subject to the property's eligibility and the proposed design. Where CDC requirements cannot be met, a Development Application (DA) through the relevant council may be required. Demolition approvals and other statutory requirements must also be considered.
Do you prepare plans for builders and construction?
Yes. Our services include architectural drafting, approval documentation and detailed Construction Certificate plans. We also coordinate relevant consultant information and can provide additional construction detailing within the agreed scope. We are independent building designers, not builders.
Do you design knockdown rebuilds throughout Sydney?
Yes. Based in Castle Hill in the Hills District, we provide custom home design, architectural drafting and knockdown rebuild plans across Greater Sydney and selected regional areas of NSW, including established suburbs, acreage properties and challenging residential sites.