Expert Building Design in Berrara

Berrara is a charming coastal village on the Shoalhaven coastline, known for its pristine beaches, bushland trails, and relaxed holiday atmosphere. The suburb attracts a mix of permanent residents and visitors, with homes ranging from original beach shacks to contemporary holiday retreats. Its natural beauty and proximity to Berrara Lagoon make it a unique place to live and build.

At DMR Designs, we provide customised building design in Berrara that enhances the area’s seaside lifestyle while meeting Shoalhaven Council regulations. Each project is carefully crafted to suit the suburb’s coastal character, ensuring homes are both functional and compliant.

We design homes in Berrara that combine modern comfort, practicality, and environmental sensitivity, making them ideal for both permanent living and weekend getaways.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Berrara?

  • Beachside Focus: Homes designed to embrace natural light, breezes, and views.

  • Compact Lot Solutions: Practical layouts suited to smaller coastal blocks.

  • Eco-Friendly Inclusions: Sustainable features for energy efficiency.

  • Council Expertise: In-depth knowledge of Shoalhaven Council requirements.

  • Flexible Options: Designs tailored for permanent homes or holiday stays.

Our Berrara designs achieve a balance of lifestyle, compliance, and long-term value.

Shoalhaven City Council Requirements for Building in Berrara

 

  • Zoning types:

    • R2 Low Density Residential

    • E3 Environmental Management in nearby bushland areas

  • Setbacks:

    • Front setbacks generally 5m – 6m

    • Side and rear setbacks vary with lot width and size

  • Typical lot sizes:

    • Detached homes: 500m² – 800m²

    • Coastal holiday lots: 350m² – 500m²

  • Key constraints:

    • Bushfire-prone land due to surrounding national park

    • Flooding potential near Berrara Lagoon

    • Height controls to preserve views and character

  • Utilities available:

    • Fully serviced with water, sewer, electricity, and NBN

Building in Berrara requires designs that balance the coastal environment with council regulations.

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the Shoalhaven City Council website.

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Berrara Project?

Whether it’s a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), we’ll guide you in finding the fastest and most compliant approval pathway—anywhere in New South Wales.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you understand the difference:

DA (Development Application):

  • Required for homes in bushfire or flood-affected areas.

  • Needed for dual occupancies or designs outside CDC guidelines.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for compliant single dwellings and small extensions.

  • Offers a quicker path for straightforward residential builds.

Need help figuring out which route suits your site? We’ll assess your block and walk you through your options.

 

FAQs About Building Design in Berrara

  • Original beach cottages, renovated holiday homes, and new modern builds are common.

  • Yes, some sites near Berrara Lagoon are subject to flood controls.

  • Absolutely, we create functional and stylish designs that suit short-term or long-term living.

  • While we know the Shoalhaven area well, we also work across many suburbs within the Shoalhaven City Council area, including Nowra, Huskisson, Ulladulla, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the Shoalhaven Council area.

  • Cost depends on the scope of your project. We’ll walk you through pricing during your discovery call so you know exactly what to expect.

Ready to take the next step?

From coastal retreats to bushfire-compliant plans, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Shoalhaven project and how we can assist.

Our Building Design Services in Berrara

We deliver building design in Berrara for custom homes, duplexes, and holiday residences, with each design tailored to the coastal character of the suburb.

From initial design to approvals, our services ensure compliance and create homes suited to Berrara’s lifestyle.

What to Expect: Our Building Design Timeline

A step-by-step look at how we take your project from concept to council approval and beyond.

Every project starts with a discovery call and ends with council-approved, build-ready plans.

Here’s how we make it easy from start to finish:

Step 1 - Discovery Call

  • Let’s chat! We’ll have a quick call to understand your project and see how we can help.

Step 2 -Site Visit & Consultation (5–7 days)

  • We’ll meet at your site (or virtually), take a closer look, and discuss your vision in detail.

Step 3 - Fee Proposal (2 days)

  • You’ll get a clear, no-surprises proposal with the scope, timeline, and costs.

Step 4 - Concept Design (4 weeks)

  • We’ll create initial design ideas and layouts tailored just for you.

Step 5 - Design Development & Expert Coordination (2 weeks)

  • We’ll fine-tune the design and collaborate with any needed specialists (engineer, energy consultant, town planner, geo tech engineer, bushfire, heritage consultant, etc).

Step 6 - Final Adjustments (1 week)

  • We’ll polish everything and prepare the final drawings for submission.

Step 7 - Submission for Approval

  • We handle the council or certifier submission, so you’re ready for the next steps.

Want the full breakdown?

View our detailed process here.

From Plans to Reality: See How It All Comes Together

Our Berrara designs showcase how coastal homes can be both practical and stylish, maximising natural surroundings while ensuring comfort.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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With our expertise, your Berrara project flows seamlessly from design to approval, ensuring compliance and lifestyle benefits in equal measure.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Berrara?

We’re here to help you take the next step, whether you’re

starting fresh or upgrading your Shoalhaven City home.

We’d love to hear what you have in mind. Book a discovery call or send us a message, and we’ll be in touch within 48 hours.

Not based in Berrara?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Shoalhaven City Council area. From Nowra and Huskisson to Ulladulla and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.