Expert Building Design in Colongra

Colongra is a small lakeside suburb on the Central Coast, positioned on the shores of Lake Munmorah. Known for its quiet residential streets and proximity to the water, Colongra offers a relaxed lifestyle in a natural setting. Its limited size and close-knit community make it a unique place to design homes that embrace both privacy and lake views.

At DMR Designs, we create tailored Building Design in Colongra that captures the charm of lakeside living while meeting modern needs. Our designs maximise outlooks to Lake Munmorah, provide functional layouts for everyday living, and ensure compliance with Central Coast Council planning rules.

Whether you’re planning a family residence or a modern retreat, we bring expertise and creativity to every project in Colongra.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Colongra?

  • Lakeside Design Focus: Homes designed to take advantage of waterfront views.

  • Bushfire & Flood Consideration: Safe, compliant solutions for lakeside sites.

  • Custom Homes: Tailored designs for families, retirees, or holiday homes.

  • Council Expertise: Knowledge of Central Coast Council zoning and building rules.

  • Sustainability Options: Incorporating energy-efficient and low-impact features.

Our Colongra projects reflect how thoughtful design can enhance lifestyle while working within a small, lakeside community.

Central Coast Council Requirements for Building in Colongra

 

  • Zoning types:

    • R2 Low Density Residential

    • E3 Environmental Management

  • Setbacks:

    • Front: 4.5m typical

    • Side: 900mm minimum

    • Rear: varies depending on lakefront controls

  • Typical lot sizes:

    • Residential blocks: 550 sqm – 800 sqm

  • Key constraints:

    • Flood planning controls near Lake Munmorah

    • Bushfire overlays in surrounding vegetation

    • Environmental protections along the foreshore

  • Utilities available:

    • Full services available – water, power, sewer

Designing in Colongra requires balancing lakeside advantages with planning and environmental constraints.

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

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Colongra 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):

  • Often required for lakefront builds due to flood and environmental overlays.

  • Needed for new homes or major extensions.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for straightforward projects like internal renovations or compliant additions.

  • Limited for homes close to foreshore or bushfire-affected areas.

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 Colongra

  • Mostly detached single dwellings, with a mix of original homes and newer lakefront residences.

  • Yes, properties near Lake Munmorah must comply with flood control measures.

  • Absolutely, we design both permanent residences and holiday properties.

  • While we know the Central Coast area well, we also work across many suburbs within the Central Coast Council area, including Gosford, Terrigal, Woy Woy, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the Central Coast 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 homes to acreage lifestyle layouts, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Central Coast project and how we can assist.

Our Building Design Services in Colongra

We provide Building Design in Colongra for family homes, holiday residences, and lakeside retreats. Our work ensures compliance with Central Coast Council requirements while maximising the lifestyle benefits of lakefront living.

From contemporary homes to sustainable designs, we deliver solutions that are both functional and beautiful.

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

Our Colongra projects showcase how modern design can enhance small-lot and lakeside living. With a focus on light, outlook, and lifestyle, we transform plans into homes that make the most of their setting.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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With DMR Designs, your Colongra home will be designed to suit both your vision and the unique features of the lakeside environment.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Colongra?

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

starting fresh or upgrading your Central Coast 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 Colongra?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Central Coast Council area. From Gosford and Terrigal to Woy Woy and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.