Expert Building Design in Clovelly

Clovelly is a stunning seaside suburb in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, known for its picturesque bay, relaxed coastal lifestyle, and close-knit community atmosphere. With its mix of modern architecture and heritage homes, Clovelly offers a balance between beachside tranquillity and urban convenience.

At DMR Designs, we specialise in building design services in Clovelly, tailoring every project to reflect the suburb’s unique charm. From luxury coastal residences to duplexes and family homes, we create designs that capture natural light, maximise views, and ensure compliance with Waverley Council planning regulations.

We proudly deliver bespoke and functional building design solutions in Clovelly.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Clovelly?

  • Coastal Living Expertise: Designs that enhance natural airflow and beachside comfort.

  • Waverley Council Knowledge: Skilled in DA approvals and compliance.

  • Customised Solutions: Homes designed around family and lifestyle needs.

  • Heritage Awareness: Respectful design for conservation and character zones.

  • Eco-Friendly Focus: Energy-efficient layouts and sustainable materials.

Our Clovelly projects reflect the seaside elegance and vibrant community feel of the area.

Waverley Council Requirements for Building in Clovelly

 

  • Zoning types:

    • R2 Low Density Residential

    • R3 Medium Density Residential

  • Setbacks:

    • Front setbacks: approx. 4.5m – 6m, side setbacks vary by building height

  • Typical lot sizes:

    • Houses: 350m² – 600m²

    • Duplexes: 250m² – 500m²

  • Key constraints:

    • Coastal protection zones and view sharing

    • Overshadowing and privacy controls

    • Heritage and conservation overlays in select streets

  • Utilities available:

    • Water, sewer, electricity, gas, and NBN

Building in Clovelly often means balancing modern designs with heritage and coastal restrictions.

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

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Clovelly 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 most new homes, duplexes, or developments in coastal areas.

  • Needed if varying building height, bulk, or setbacks.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for smaller renovations or compliant builds.

  • Not always possible in coastal or heritage zones.

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 Clovelly

  • A mix of freestanding houses, duplexes, and architect-designed coastal homes.

  • Yes, strict coastal impact and view-sharing controls apply.

  • Yes, provided the lot size and zoning meet Waverley Council standards.

  • While we know the Waverley area well, we also work across many suburbs within the Waverley Council area, including Bondi, Bronte, Tamarama, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the Waverley 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 renovations to specialized compliance plans, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Waverley project and how we can assist.

Our Building Design Services in Clovelly

We provide custom home, duplex, and renovation design services in Clovelly, ensuring compliance with Waverley Council while capturing the suburb’s coastal lifestyle.
Our designs are created to maximise comfort, functionality, and property value.

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 Clovelly projects, where innovative designs embrace sunlight, sea breezes, and open living spaces.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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With DMR Designs, your Clovelly dream home can become a reality.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Clovelly?

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

starting fresh or upgrading your WAVERLEY 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 Clovelly?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Waverley Council area. From Bondi and Bronte to Tamarama and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.