Residential building design project Strathtulloh, Melbourne western suburbs

Registered building designer for Strathtulloh and surrounds

Extensions, granny flats, dual occupancy, and new homes. RD Building Design manages design and permits across Melton.

RD Building Design is a registered building design practice covering Strathtulloh and Melbourne's wider western suburbs. We manage residential projects from the first conversation through to approved building 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?

Extending on a smaller Strathtulloh lot

Compact blocks require careful design. Every square metre of extension affects setbacks, site coverage, and overlooking provisions. What you gain in one area, you often give up in another.

The skill is in finding the layout that gets the most from the site while staying within the Melton Planning Scheme controls. RD Building Design works on tight western suburbs sites regularly and knows where the constraints have flexibility.

Residential building design in Strathtulloh

Every property is different, and the right project depends on your block, your goals, and the planning controls. RD Building Design covers the full range.

Extensions. Ground floor, upper level, or both. Full ResCode compliance, structural coordination, and permit drawings.

Secondary dwellings. Granny flats, studios, and home offices. Our Boxed Buildings SIP panel kits are designed for fast assembly. We manage design and permit drawings.

Dual occupancy. Two separately titled homes on a single lot. Full feasibility and design where zoning supports it.

knockdown rebuild. Start fresh with a home designed specifically for your site and household.

New home design. For vacant land or subdivided lots. Brief to building permit.

Local planning knowledge in Strathtulloh

The Melton Planning Scheme sets the rules, but understanding how Melton applies them takes experience beyond reading the document.

RD Building Design reads the Melton Planning Scheme as part of regular work. We know which overlays affect Strathtulloh properties, how council interprets neighbourhood character requirements, and where the scheme gives flexibility worth using.

This knowledge shortens permit timelines and reduces requests for further information, which is the most common source of avoidable project delays.

Not sure what your property allows? A property assessment gives you a clear picture of what's buildable on your block before committing to design.

What you can build in Strathtulloh

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.

UGZ Urban growth zone

Applies to land on Melbourne's urban fringe identified for future residential development. Development is guided by precinct structure plans that set out lot sizes, density targets, and infrastructure requirements.

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

Small to medium (typically under 500sqm)

Site coverage is frequently the binding constraint. Extensions and secondary dwellings need careful positioning to stay under the 60% site coverage limit.

Granny flat viability

Permitted up to 60sqm without a planning permit under Victoria's 2023 provisions, but site coverage is likely to be the binding constraint. Many blocks can accommodate a secondary dwelling if existing building footprint allows.

Dual occupancy

Limited viability

Predominantly NRZ zoning or small lot sizes restrict dual occupancy to a small number of properties. Site-specific assessment essential.

Location

38km from Melbourne CBD. Nearest station: Cobblebank.

This summary reflects general planning conditions for Strathtulloh 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 Strathtulloh

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

From first conversation to approved plans

RD Building Design manages the full process.

Consultation. We discuss the project, review your Strathtulloh property, and outline what is possible. No charge.
Feasibility. Goals tested against site conditions and planning controls. Done before design starts.
Concept. Floor plans and external design showing how the project works on your block. You guide the revisions.
Planning permit (where needed). Full application prepared and managed through Melton assessment.
Permit drawings. Working drawings for building permit and builder quoting.
Completion. A full set of approved drawings, ready for construction.

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

Building design questions for Strathtulloh homeowners

Do I need planning approval to renovate in Strathtulloh?

Many renovations and extensions can proceed on a building permit alone under ResCode. Properties with heritage overlays or in special planning areas will generally need planning approval. RD Building Design determines this at the first consultation.

How long do permits take through Melton?

A building permit is typically assessed in about 10-20 business days. Planning permits through Melton generally take around 10-60 days. We set realistic expectations at the start of your project.

Can my Strathtulloh property support a granny flat?

Most NRZ and GRZ properties can add a secondary dwelling up to 60sqm without planning approval since Victoria's 2023 changes. The key constraints are site coverage, setbacks, and open space. RD Building Design confirms what your block allows.

What about adding a second level to my Strathtulloh home?

Second storey additions are viable on most properties, subject to structural capacity and planning requirements for overlooking, overshadowing, and neighbourhood character. We assess all of this at concept stage.

Should I renovate or knockdown rebuild in Strathtulloh?

It depends on the condition of the existing house and the cost-benefit of renovation versus starting fresh. For non-heritage properties, knockdown rebuild is usually an option. RD Building Design can advise on which path suits your situation.

Where do I start if I want to build on my Strathtulloh property?

Start with a property assessment. RD Building Design reviews your block against the Melton Planning Scheme and provides a clear written summary of what you can build, including extensions, <a href="/backyard-buildings/granny-flats/">granny flats</a>, and dual occupancy potential.

Start with a conversation

A free consultation with RD Building Design covers your Strathtulloh property, your project goals, and a straightforward assessment of what the site allows. No commitment required.

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