Our Granny FLAT DESIGNS
Granny Flat Design Services Across Australia
Granny flats—also known as secondary dwellings—have become an essential part of Australia’s evolving residential landscape. Whether intended for extended family, rental income, a private studio, or guest accommodation, these compact homes can offer remarkable value and flexibility. When thoughtfully designed, a granny flat can enhance both the functionality and long-term potential of your property.
At Gir.Arch, we’ve spent the past four years crafting tailored granny flat designs—successfully delivering over 200 projects across every Australian state and territory. These range from simple detached studios and attached extensions to two-storey dwellings, garage conversions, and custom solutions for narrow or irregular blocks. No two sites—or councils—are alike, and we approach each project with care, precision, and a clear understanding of planning context.
Our team is well-versed in navigating diverse state regulations and local overlays, including bushfire-prone areas, flood zones, easements, and blocks with challenging slopes. As experienced granny flat builders and design consultants, we prepare all necessary documentation for both DA (Development Application) and CDC (Complying Development Certificate) pathways—ensuring approval requirements are met from the start.
We also routinely address complex physical and technical site constraints, such as sewer lines within the build area, steep terrain, limited access, and strict setback controls. Through a collaborative and transparent design process, we help clients make informed choices around layout, materials, and spatial strategies—balancing functionality, buildability, and design integrity.
This page showcases real examples of our work, reflecting a broad spectrum of granny flat designs—from compact backyard dwellings to elevated solutions for difficult terrain. Whether you're looking to expand your property for multigenerational living or seeking an income-generating addition, we believe there’s almost always a smart way to build a granny flat.
The key lies in understanding both the opportunities and the limits—and working with a team that turns site constraints into well-resolved, buildable design solutions.
FROM VISION TO REALITY: SEE IT BEFORE YOU BUILD IT
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🧭 Thinking About Building a Granny Flat? Here’s How We Work
Ready to Begin Your Project?
Every site is different—so we start by understanding your needs, your location, and your goals. From there, we guide you through a streamlined, well-coordinated process from concept to approval.
1. Share Your Site & Expectations
Get in touch with your property address and a quick summary of what you’re looking for.
To better assess your site, it helps if you include:
- Section 10.7 Planning Certificate
- DBYD (Dial Before You Dig) info
- Survey, concept sketches, or existing plans, etc.
If you don't have any of these, it's still fine.
2. Site Review & Quotation
We review your site’s planning rules, overlays, and physical constraints (like slope, easements, or access).
You’ll receive:
- A competitive quote
- Guidance on whether DA or CDC is the more suitable approval pathway
3. Design Development
Once we begin, we’ll create a tailored architectural design that suits your site, your lifestyle, and your compliance requirements.
We don’t use off-the-shelf templates—every granny flat we design is unique and thoughtfully resolved.
4. Documentation & Approval Coordination
We directly provide:
- Architectural plans & elevations
- Shadow diagrams
- Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE)
We also coordinate with trusted consultants to help you obtain additional documents where needed, such as:
- Stormwater drainage plans
- Bushfire (BAL) reports
- Flood hazard assessments
We ensure everything is aligned and ready for submission—whether through council (DA) or a private certifier (CDC).
5. (Optional) Bill of Materials
Following the completion of architectural and engineering documentation, we can also prepare a Bill of Materials—giving you a clear understanding of the potential build cost before approaching builders.
🔗 Let’s Talk
Wondering what’s possible on your site?
Reach out today to get a quote, ask questions, or just explore your options with no obligation.
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