Multi Dwelling Development Chatswood Townhouses

Six townhouse multi resdiential development in Chatswood

The Willoughby Council is a forward-thinking municipality, but this does not mean they have a blank page regarding residential development, particularly around multi-level residential dwellings. Many developments have been stopped due to a lack of due diligence and an insufficient understanding of the building codes and how Willougby Council interprets the regulatory framework.

Willoughby Council’s residential planning framework does not restrict development. It aims to ensure that new development maintains a high quality standard and does not impede the surrounding environment. For any multi-residential development, designing within the compliance guidelines and establishing council relationships is crucial to help secure successful outcomes.

The brief was to design six townhouses, each with four levels across a narrow site. Ensuring sufficient natural light was a must, and creating a conforming roofline under the height guidelines required a creative and technical approach to ensuring compliance and livability.

The outcome

The townhouse development met the Willoughby Council residential building codes through considering engagement and working collaboratively. The Playoust Churcher team incorporated clever usage of wells and voids to ensure adequate natural light and further utlised these spaces for lofts and staircases to connect the dwellings and ensure ease of movement across the site. We included semi-enclosed balconies that provided natural air ventilation and flow, and residents could ustilise the balcony space for winter gardens. The project resulted in a high yield outcome for our client and thrilled investors.

“We are so happy we used Playoust Churcher Architects for a major renovation of our Lower North Shore home. This complex architectural job combined advanced engineering, design and innovation and a creative approach to modern living. Playoust Churcher supported us from conception to completion – and well beyond.

 

They understood our lifestyle and desire for a collaborative approach and delivered us a dream home with which it would be hard to be happier. We’re delighted to recommend Playoust Churcher to anyone building or renovating a prestige home in Sydney.”

Justin & Marek

“We provided a very detailed brief on the design and the requirements both in terms of how it would support our family as it grew over time in addition to the design features that were important to us. We were thrilled with the concept and design they delivered. It ticked all the boxes.

 

We felt very confident the team understood our brief in terms of the design and how we hoped to live. They also showed an understanding of the financial requirements and cost issues that are really important whenever you undertake any renovation project.”

Nadia & Jamieson

 “Playoust Churcher Architects had an inherent understanding of the brief, and the design created a classic Roseville family home with wonderful proportions, depth and detail.

 

It’s now recognised as a stand-out in the area – people slow down and stare as they drive past.”

Kate & Scott

“When Brett and John came they just listened. John is so talented that we just trust him. I told John what I wanted our home to look like and to go for it. John can draw the designs upside down all by hand and you know exactly what he is doing. He is really talented and that was very obvious from the beginning. He is so passionate about what he does.

 

They were respectful of costs and just listened to what we wanted. There is a lot to say for architects that listen. The house works perfectly with our needs – there is a flow that works beautifully.”

Lisa

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the design brief for the Chatswood townhouse development?

This project delivered a boutique, high-quality townhouse development featuring modern architectural form, functional layout, and tailored outdoor space. The design prioritised liveability and aesthetic coherence across multiple dwellings.

Explore our multi‑dwelling project examples

Is Chatswood suitable for multi‑dwelling or townhouse developments?

Yes. Chatswood’s zoning under Willoughby Council and NSW planning policies supports small-scale townhouse projects—particularly where proportionate and design-led development is carried out.

What planning controls apply to multi‑dwelling projects in Chatswood?

Projects in Chatswood must comply with Willoughby Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plan (DCP) provisions, including height limits, setbacks, maximum density, access and landscaping requirements. We manage feasibility and approvals from initial studies to DA submission.

How do you ensure quality and integration in multi‑dwelling designs?

Our architectural approach emphasises thoughtful massing, natural light, privacy and material consistency across units. Each townhouse is designed as a standalone home with its own identity, yet linked by cohesive site planning and landscaping.

See more of our design-led development work

Can Playoust Churcher support a multi‑dwelling development in Chatswood or nearby areas?

Absolutely. We offer full architectural services for townhouse developments across Chatswood and surrounding suburbs—from feasibility and zoning advice to design documentation, council approvals and project delivery.

Have questions? Chat
with our team today.

11 Marian Street
Killara NSW 2071
Australia

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