Residential building design project Harkness, Melbourne western suburbs

Building designer servicing Harkness. Full design and permit service

Residential building design from concept to approved permit. RD Building Design covers Harkness and the western suburbs.

RD Building Design is a registered building designer based in Melbourne's western suburbs. We work across Melton and surrounding councils, managing residential projects from initial feasibility through to completed permit drawings.

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Who is RD Building Design?

Rhys Davies Building Designer (DP-AD 43008) Adv.Dip. Building Design (Arch.), Registered Building Practitioner (Arch.) RD Building Design

A registered building design practice based in Melbourne's western suburbs, working across Melton and neighbouring councils.

We specialise in residential projects: extensions, granny flats, dual occupancy, knockdown rebuilds, and new homes. One designer leads your project from start to finish.

Straightforward communication, realistic timelines, and permit documentation that is right the first time.

Curious about the difference between a building designer and an architect?

Dual occupancy potential in Harkness

For Harkness properties on lots with adequate size and frontage, dual occupancy can be a genuine option.

The permit pathway is more complex than a standard extension, but the result is two separately titled dwellings on a single block.

RD Building Design assesses dual occupancy feasibility as part of every initial consultation. We confirm whether the numbers work before any design commitment.

knockdown rebuild in Harkness

When an existing Harkness house has reached the end of its useful life, or when renovation costs exceed the value they would add, a knockdown rebuild gives you a home designed from scratch for your site, your household, and relevant planning controls.

The design can use the full site capacity allowed under the Melton Planning Scheme, oriented and configured for how you actually want to live.

RD Building Design manages knockdown rebuild projects from feasibility through to building permit.

Building design for long-term homeowners in Harkness

Most extension projects in Harkness are driven by homeowners who intend to stay. The brief is personal: more space, better light, a layout that suits the household as it is now.

RD Building Design takes that seriously. We design around daily function, not spec appeal. Traffic flow, storage, the way rooms open to the outdoor spaces. The details that matter when you are living with the result.

What you can build in Harkness

Planning controls and development potential under the Melton Planning Scheme

Council

Melton

Planning scheme

Melton Planning Scheme

Predominant zones

GRZ General residential zone

Allows moderate housing growth. Dual occupancy viable on lots of 300sqm+ per resulting title. Medium density development permitted with a planning permit.

Planning overlays

No heritage, flood, or design overlays apply broadly to this suburb. Individual properties should still be checked for site-specific overlays.

Typical lot size

Medium to large (typically 500-800sqm+)

More design flexibility. Site coverage is rarely the binding constraint, allowing larger secondary dwellings and more generous setbacks.

Granny flat viability

Permitted up to 60sqm without a planning permit under Victoria's 2023 provisions. Most blocks have sufficient site coverage capacity for a well-sized secondary dwelling.

Dual occupancy

Viable on selected lots

Some GRZ zoning available, but NRZ dominates or lot sizes limit opportunities. Feasibility depends on specific block dimensions and frontage.

Location

35km from Melbourne CBD. Nearest station: Melton.

This summary reflects general planning conditions for Harkness as of 2025. Individual properties may have additional overlays or conditions. A property assessment confirms exactly what applies to your block.

Building design services in Harkness

Whatever your project RD Building design can help.

New home design

Custom home design from initial brief through to permit-ready documents

Knockdown rebuild designs

A completely new design on your existing block, built around the life you want

Residential extensions and renovations

Additions that connect and blend with your existing home

Townhouses / Multi-Unit design

Multiple dwellings on one site, with all planning and documentation managed

How building design works with RD Building Design

Here is how a typical project runs.

Initial consultation. We discuss your project, assess your Harkness property's planning situation, and give you a clear picture of what is achievable. No fee.
Brief and feasibility. We assess your goals against the site and planning controls. This happens before design begins.
Concept design. Floor plans, external appearance, and how the project works on the block. You direct revisions.
Planning permit (where required). We prepare, submit, and manage the application through to decision.
Building permit documentation. Full working drawings for permit submission and builder pricing.
Approved drawings. A complete set any registered builder can price from and build to.

RD Building Design serves homeowners across Melbourne's western suburbs and beyond.

Building design questions for Harkness homeowners

Do I need a planning permit to extend my house in Harkness?

It depends on the work and your property's planning overlays. Many extensions can proceed directly to building permit under ResCode. Properties in heritage overlays or special planning areas usually require planning approval. RD Building Design assesses this at initial consultation.

How long does a building permit take in Harkness?

A building permit application is typically assessed in 10-20 business days. Where a planning permit is required first, Melton assessment typically takes 10-60 days. RD Building Design advises on realistic timelines at the start of every project.

Can I build a granny flat on my Harkness property?

Most residential lots zoned NRZ or GRZ can accommodate a secondary dwelling up to 60sqm without a planning permit under Victoria's 2023 provisions, subject to site coverage, setback, and open space requirements. RD Building Design confirms feasibility as part of an initial assessment.

Is dual occupancy viable on my Harkness block?

It depends on your lot size, zoning, and frontage. RD Building Design carries out dual occupancy feasibility assessments at initial consultation.

Can I do a knockdown rebuild in Harkness?

If your property is not heritage-listed, a knockdown rebuild is usually viable. The replacement dwelling must comply with the Melton Planning Scheme for setbacks, site coverage, and neighbourhood character. RD Building Design confirms what the site allows before design begins.

How do I find out what I can build on my property in Harkness?

RD Building Design offers a property assessment that reviews your block against the Melton Planning Scheme and gives you a written summary of what is buildable: extension capacity, granny flat viability, dual occupancy potential, and any constraints.

Talk to a building designer who knows Harkness

A free consultation covers your project, your property's planning situation, and an honest assessment of what is achievable. No obligation.

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