Expert Building Design in Conjola

Conjola, nestled within the Shoalhaven region, is celebrated for its picturesque Lake Conjola, peaceful bushland surrounds, and laid-back lifestyle. The suburb has long been a favourite for both permanent residents and holidaymakers, offering a unique blend of waterfront relaxation and natural beauty. Housing here reflects this character, with a mix of lakeside retreats, eco-inspired dwellings, and family homes designed to maximise both views and comfort.

For those building in Conjola, the environment presents both opportunities and challenges. Proximity to the lake means carefully managing foreshore setbacks and flood planning, while surrounding bushland brings additional considerations around bushfire compliance and environmental protection. These factors make it essential to design homes that are not only stylish but also resilient and responsive to the land.

At DMR Designs, we specialise in delivering building design in Conjola that complements the suburb’s natural charm. Whether you’re planning a permanent residence, a holiday escape, or a rural property, our approach ensures every design makes the most of the location while meeting Shoalhaven Council requirements. We take pride in creating homes that reflect the area’s lifestyle, combining sustainability, comfort, and timeless design.


Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Conjola?

  • Waterfront Design Expertise: Homes that maximise lake views while managing flooding and foreshore controls.

  • Sustainable Living: Incorporation of solar, water harvesting, and natural ventilation to reduce environmental impact.

  • Bushfire-Smart Solutions: Designs that meet BAL ratings and enhance safety in forested settings.

  • Lifestyle-Oriented Homes: Tailored layouts for family living, holiday retreats, or retirement residences.

  • Council & Environmental Knowledge: Skilled in Shoalhaven Council processes and lakefront environmental overlays.

Our Conjola designs combine style, resilience, and sustainability to suit both permanent residents and holidaymakers.


Shoalhaven City Council Requirements for Building in Conjola

 
  • Zoning types:

    • R2 Low Density Residential

    • RU2 Rural Landscape

    • E3 Environmental Management

  • Setbacks:

    • Lakefront properties subject to specific foreshore setback rules

    • Side and rear setbacks as per zoning and block size

  • Typical lot sizes:

    • Residential lots: 500m² – 1,200m²

    • Rural holdings: 2–10 hectares

  • Key constraints:

    • Bushfire risk in forested areas

    • Flooding potential near Lake Conjola and waterways

    • Environmental overlays for foreshore and biodiversity protection

  • Utilities available:

    • Town water and electricity in most residential areas

    • Septic systems common for rural lots

    • NBN and mobile coverage available

Building in Conjola requires balancing waterfront lifestyle with environmental care and bushfire safety.

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


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

  • Common due to lakefront setbacks and bushfire overlays.

  • Required for most new builds or significant alterations.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Possible for standard homes on compliant residential lots.

  • Unlikely near foreshore or environmentally sensitive 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 Conjola

  • Lakefront residences, eco-retreats, and modern family homes.

  • Yes, lakefront areas are subject to flood planning controls.

  • Absolutely — we specialise in flexible, low-maintenance designs for permanent or holiday use.

  • While we know the Shoalhaven area well, we also work across many suburbs within the Shoalhaven City Council area, including Nowra, Huskisson, Ulladulla, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the Shoalhaven 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 retreats to bushfire-compliant plans, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Shoalhaven project and how we can assist.


Our Building Design Services in Conjola

We provide building design in Conjola tailored to the unique needs of families, retirees, and holidaymakers. Whether you’re envisioning a lakefront retreat, a modern family residence, or a rural escape, our designs are crafted to maximise natural light, capture views, and suit the relaxed lifestyle that defines the area. Every project is shaped with the character of Lake Conjola in mind, ensuring your home feels connected to its surroundings.

Our team takes a comprehensive approach, managing everything from initial concepts to council approvals with Shoalhaven Council. By combining careful planning with a focus on sustainability and compliance, we deliver homes that are not only functional but also enduring in style and quality. From start to finish, we make sure your design journey is smooth, resulting in a home that reflects both your vision and the beauty of Conjola.

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

Designing in Conjola is about embracing both the lakefront lifestyle and the surrounding bushland. Our projects demonstrate how thoughtful design can balance liveability, compliance, and environmental harmony.

Portfolio

Home Designs

With DMR Designs, you gain a design partner who ensures a smooth journey from planning through to approval, creating homes that reflect the unique character of Conjola.


Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Conjola?

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

starting fresh or upgrading your Shoalhaven City 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 Conjola?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Shoalhaven City Council area. From Nowra and Huskisson to Ulladulla and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.