Expert Building Design in Bundeena

Bundeena is a coastal village in the Sutherland Shire, celebrated for its relaxed seaside lifestyle, access to pristine beaches, and location at the edge of the Royal National Park. With a mix of holiday homes, permanent residences, and modern rebuilds, it attracts families, retirees, and creatives who value its natural setting and strong community feel. Ferry connections to Cronulla add to its charm, making Bundeena both secluded and connected.

At DMR Designs, we deliver bespoke building design in Bundeena that reflects the suburb’s coastal identity and unique village character. From contemporary beachfront homes to compact cottages and duplexes, our designs respect the local environment while complying with Sutherland Shire Council regulations.

We specialise in creating homes in Bundeena that combine lifestyle, sustainability, and compliance. Every project is tailored to capture natural light, ocean breezes, and stunning outlooks, while meeting the modern needs of families and professionals.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Bundeena?

  • Coastal Integration: Designs that maximise natural ventilation, light, and beach views.

  • Family-Oriented Layouts: Homes tailored to suit both permanent residents and holiday living.

  • Sustainable Practices: Eco-friendly features that support Bundeena’s coastal environment.

  • Adaptable Spaces: Flexible layouts suited to smaller lots and changing family needs.

  • Compliance Expertise: Skilled in navigating Sutherland Shire Council planning controls.

Our Bundeena designs create a balance between coastal lifestyle and council compliance, ensuring every home fits naturally within its setting.

Sutherland Shire Council Requirements for Building in Bundeena

 

  • Zoning types:

    • R2 Low Density Residential

    • E3 Environmental Management (near bushland and foreshore areas)

  • Setbacks:

    • Front setbacks generally 5–7m, depending on street character

    • Side and rear setbacks vary by dwelling type and lot size

  • Typical lot sizes:

    • Detached homes: 450–800 sqm

    • Duplex/townhouse: 350–600 sqm (where zoning permits)

  • Key constraints:

    • Flood risk in some low-lying coastal areas

    • Bushfire-prone land near National Park

    • Height and bulk controls to preserve village and foreshore character

  • Utilities available:

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

Designing in Bundeena requires sensitivity to the coastal environment while meeting Sutherland Shire Council requirements for sustainable and compliant development.

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the Sutherland Shire Council website.

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Bundeena 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 foreshore developments, bushfire-prone sites, and projects that exceed CDC standards.

  • Needed for dual occupancies or homes in environmentally sensitive locations.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for straightforward single dwellings and extensions that comply with planning codes.

  • Often limited by environmental overlays, meaning many Bundeena projects will require DA approval.

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 Bundeena

  • Bundeena has a mix of older weatherboard cottages, holiday shacks, and modern coastal homes designed to take advantage of the views.

  • Yes, foreshore development has strict height, bulk, and environmental controls to protect views and the natural coastline.

  • Absolutely — we integrate passive cooling, durable materials, and eco-friendly systems to suit the coastal climate.

  • While we know the Sutherland Shire area well, we also work across many suburbs within the Sutherland Shire Council area, including Cronulla, Caringbah, Engadine, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the Sutherland Shire 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 beachside homes to bushland retreats and specialized compliance plans, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Sutherland Shire project and how we can assist.

Our Building Design Services in Bundeena

We provide tailored building design services in Bundeena for beach houses, family homes, duplexes, and rebuilds. Our designs make the most of limited lot sizes and waterfront locations while staying fully compliant with council standards.

From concept planning to final approvals, we deliver designs that enhance Bundeena’s coastal charm and support a modern 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

Explore our Bundeena portfolio, showcasing homes that highlight natural views, coastal living, and contemporary design. Each project reflects our expertise in balancing lifestyle, compliance, and environmental sensitivity.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Building in Bundeena requires careful planning for coastal and environmental conditions — and we have the knowledge to make it seamless.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Bundeena?

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

starting fresh or upgrading your Sutherland Shire 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 Bundeena?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Sutherland Shire Council area. From Cronulla and Caringbah to Engadine and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.