Expert Building Design in Clontarf

Clontarf is a coveted coastal suburb offering sweeping harbor views, prestige homes, and a steep natural terrain that demands thoughtful, custom design. From hilltop retreats to beachside family residences, every block in Clontarf presents a unique opportunity to create something truly special.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Clontarf. Whether you’re building a multi-level luxury home or modernizing a heritage residence, our designs reflect the lifestyle and landscape of this exclusive suburb.

We proudly serve Clontarf with site-specific designs that embrace the slope, preserve views, and meet all Northern Beaches Council regulations.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Clontarf?

  • Maximizing Harbour Views: Clever layouts that open to the outlook without compromising privacy

  • Built for the Slope: Multi-tiered designs that minimize cut and fill

  • Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living: Perfect for entertaining and taking in the coastal breeze

  • Complete DA Coordination: From bushfire reports to foreshore setbacks

  • Timeless Aesthetics: We create homes that blend with the land and last for generations

Our Clontarf building design services deliver luxury, livability, and total compliance in every project.

Northern Beaches Council Requirements for Building in Clontarf

 

  • Zoning:

    • Primarily R2 Low Density Residential with areas near the foreshore falling under E4 Environmental Living or scenic protection overlays

  • Setbacks:

    • Front: Usually 6–9m based on slope and street character

    • Side: 900mm–2m depending on height and proximity to neighboring homes

    • Rear: Often varies with steep sites and view corridors

  • Typical Lot Sizes:

    • 600–1,200+ sqm, often steep and irregular with limited access and vegetation cover

  • Key Constraints:

    • BAL-12.5 to BAL-29 near bushland

    • Coastal cliffs and unstable slopes may require geotech input

    • View-sharing and overshadowing controls impact upper-storey design

    • Strict Foreshore Building Line and natural landscape preservation apply

  • Utilities:

    • Fully serviced with water, sewer, power, gas, and NBN—though drainage must be carefully planned

Building in Clontarf 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 Clontarf Project?

Due to slope, views, and foreshore controls, DA is the most common pathway in Clontarf. 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 substantial works and sloped-site designs

  • We coordinate geotechnical, BAL, and privacy impact assessments

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Possible only for small internal works or compliant additions on flatter lots

  • We confirm feasibility and expedite approvals when appropriate

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 Clontarf

  • We use strategic window placement, elevation shifts, and screening to create private yet open spaces that take in the views.

  • Yes—multi-level homes are common here. We design split-level or terraced plans that work with, not against, the slope.

  • Definitely. We design pools into terraced outdoor areas or rooftop spaces to complement the terrain.

  • 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 Clontarf

We design architecturally elevated homes that respond to slope, views, and council expectations—turning challenges into defining features.

From concept to approval, our Clontarf building design services are tailored to the land and the 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 work on hillside and harborside blocks—designed to stand out while blending beautifully with the environment.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Our Clontarf building designs are functional, visually stunning, and built to perform.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Clontarf?

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 Clontarf?

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.