Expert Building Design in Church Point

Church Point offers a unique blend of waterfront serenity, bushland views, and steep, architecturally challenging sites. Nestled along Pittwater’s edge, this exclusive suburb is perfect for bespoke homes that connect with nature while navigating complex overlays, bushfire zones, and limited access.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Church Point. Whether you’re building a luxurious retreat with water views or updating a hillside hideaway, our designs are built to suit your site, lifestyle, and council expectations.

We proudly serve Church Point with elevated, eco-conscious designs that respect the landscape and deliver long-term comfort.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Church Point?

  • Steep-Site Design Experts: Split-level, tiered, or cantilevered solutions

  • Water & Bush-View Planning: Maximizing every outlook without overbuilding

  • Bushfire-Safe & Sustainable: BAL-rated materials and passive design as standard

  • End-to-End Approval Guidance: We handle all council coordination and reporting

  • Low-Impact Construction Planning: Designed for difficult access and steep terrain

Our Church Point building design services are perfect for transforming a challenging block into a home that lives and breathes with its surroundings.

Northern Beaches Council Requirements for Building in Church Point

 

  • Zoning:

    • Primarily E4 Environmental Living with overlays for bushfire, foreshore, and biodiversity protection

  • Setbacks:

    • Front: Varies based on slope and view corridors

    • Side: Usually 1–2m but may be increased due to fire access or vegetation

    • Rear: Flexible depending on proximity to waterfront or reserves

  • Typical Lot Sizes:

    • 700–1,800+ sqm, often steep with narrow frontages and dense vegetation

  • Key Constraints:

    • BAL-29 to BAL-FZ ratings are common

    • Landslip and geotechnical risk in steep areas

    • Tree preservation and ecological protection strongly enforced

    • Site access often limited—affecting construction logistics and design form

  • Utilities:

    • Water, electricity, and sewer available—though some homes rely on rainwater tanks or on-site waste systems

Building in Church Point requires careful consideration of zoning overlays, bushfire ratings, and environmental planning policies.

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the Northern Beaches Council website.

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

Due to steep terrain and sensitive environmental overlays, DA is the standard approval path in Church Point. Whether it’s a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), we’ll guide you through the process from start to finish.

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

DA (Development Application):

  • Required for most new homes and alterations in bushfire-prone areas

  • We manage geotechnical reports, BAL assessments, and environmental compliance

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Rarely used here due to site constraints—but possible for internal works or compliant decks

  • We can assess eligibility and guide you accordingly

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 Church Point

  • Foreshore Building Lines apply—setbacks and design controls will affect your footprint. We design within these limits while still maximizing views.

  • We work with modular construction, crane lifts, and staged builds to suit limited or steep site entry points.

  • Yes—Church Point has strong vegetation controls. We handle arborist reports and liaise with council to retain, replant, or responsibly clear where permitted.

  • Not at all! While we love working in spots like Avalon, Narrabeen, and Dee Why, we also take on projects across the North Shore, Ku-ring-gai, and even further out. We’re open to select builds up to 4 hours from the Northern Beaches 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 custom home designs to council-ready plans, we’re here to guide your project every step of the way. Let’s bring your vision to life — reach out today.

Our Building Design Services in Church Point

From high-end coastal retreats and elevated bushland homes to sustainable upgrades and second dwellings, our Church Point building design services are built to deliver luxury, livability, and approval-ready outcomes.

We bring structure to your vision—no matter how challenging the block.

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

Browse our portfolio of steep-site builds and nature-connected homes—designed with style, resilience, and sensitivity.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Browse our portfolio of steep-site builds and nature-connected homes—designed with style, resilience, and sensitivity.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Church Point?

We’re here to help you take the next step! whetheR It’s

a new chapter or a fresh upgrade

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 Church Point?

DMR Designs proudly serves the entire Northern Beaches—from Palm Beach and Avalon to Dee Why and Manly. Wherever you're building, we bring the same precision, creativity, and local know-how to every design.