Expert Building Design in Clifton Gardens

Clifton Gardens, located in Mosman, is a prestigious harbourside enclave known for its family-friendly beach, scenic picnic spots, and luxury residences. It is highly sought after for its exclusive lifestyle, waterside living, and proximity to Taronga Zoo and Sydney Harbour National Park.

DMR Designs provides tailored building design solutions in Clifton Gardens, creating homes that maximise harbour views, comfort, and functionality while ensuring compliance with Mosman Council planning regulations.

We proudly serve Clifton Gardens with designs that combine modern elegance, practicality, and heritage sensitivity.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Clifton Gardens?

  • Harbourside Luxury: Homes designed to capture stunning water views.

  • Family-Focused Layouts: Spaces that suit modern family lifestyles.

  • Council Compliance: Expert navigation of Mosman’s planning requirements.

  • Heritage & Environmental Awareness: Designs that respect local conservation rules.

  • Future-Ready Homes: Energy-efficient and adaptable for long-term value.

Our Clifton Gardens designs deliver style, compliance, and luxury in harmony with the suburb’s harbourside charm.

Mosman Council Requirements for Building in Clifton Gardens

 

  • Zoning types

    • R2 Low Density Residential

    • Environmental Conservation & Foreshore Protection zones

  • Setbacks

    • Front setbacks: 5–7 m, often influenced by streetscape

    • Side and rear setbacks vary depending on lot size and foreshore location

  • Typical lot sizes

    • Detached homes: 550–1,200 m²

    • Prestige lots: Over 1,500 m² with harbour frontage

  • Key constraints

    • Foreshore Building Line restricts new builds close to water

    • Many sites subject to heritage conservation controls

    • Bushfire and environmental overlays may apply

  • Utilities available

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

Building in Clifton Gardens requires designs that respect heritage values and foreshore restrictions while offering modern luxury.

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

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

Mosman projects may follow either a Development Application (DA) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC) process depending on site factors and project scale.

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

DA (Development Application):

  • Required for new homes, major renovations, and all foreshore-adjacent developments.

  • Needed for heritage-affected properties.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for small-scale renovations or compliant extensions away from heritage/foreshore zones.

  • Less common due to strict controls in the area.

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 Clifton Gardens

  • Yes, but it requires a DA and must comply with foreshore building controls.

  • Many properties fall under conservation areas, requiring heritage-sensitive design.

  • Contemporary luxury designs that integrate with the harbourside landscape are highly sought after.

  • While we know the Mosman area well, we also work across many suburbs within the Mosman Council area, including Balmoral, Clifton Gardens, Georges Heights, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the Mosman 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-inspired designs to specialized compliance plans, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Mosman project and how we can assist.

Our Building Design Services in Clifton Gardens

We provide custom home, duplex, and renovation designs tailored to the luxury lifestyle and planning requirements of Clifton Gardens.
From concept to council approval, we ensure every detail is managed with precision.

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 Clifton Gardens portfolio showcasing bespoke homes designed for harbourside living and compliance with local regulations.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Building in Clifton Gardens requires expertise—DMR Designs delivers exactly that.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Clifton Gardens?

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

starting fresh or upgrading YOUR mosman 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 Clifton Gardens?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Mosman Council area. From Balmoral and Clifton Gardens to Georges Heights and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.