Expert Building Design in Currowan

Currowan, located in the Shoalhaven region, is a quiet rural area known for its forested landscapes, river access, and bushland properties. Popular with families, tree changers, and those seeking a self-sufficient lifestyle, the area offers a peaceful escape from coastal towns while remaining connected to essential amenities in nearby villages. Housing here includes acreage homes, sustainable retreats, and rural dwellings designed to suit the natural surroundings.

Building in Currowan comes with specific considerations. Many properties are located on bushfire-prone land, sloping sites, or near waterways, which can impact design and council approvals. Designing homes that are both resilient and comfortable is essential, ensuring they provide modern living while blending into the rural environment.

At DMR Designs, we specialise in building design in Currowan that responds to the unique conditions of the area. Our projects incorporate bushfire safety, passive design principles, and rural planning compliance, ensuring your home is sustainable, functional, and tailored to the landscape.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Currowan?

  • Rural Design Expertise: Homes planned to suit large properties and natural settings.

  • Bushfire-Resilient Solutions: Designs that address BAL ratings and bushfire overlays.

  • Sustainable Options: Off-grid systems, water tanks, and eco-friendly materials.

  • Custom Planning: Tailored layouts to meet family needs and rural property features.

  • Local Knowledge: Experience with Shoalhaven Council’s rural development guidelines.

Our Currowan designs combine rural charm, resilience, and comfort.

Shoalhaven City Council Requirements for Building in Currowan

 

  • Zoning types:

    • RU1 Primary Production

    • RU2 Rural Landscape

    • E3 Environmental Management

  • Setbacks:

    • Larger front, side, and rear setbacks apply to rural and environmental zones

    • Additional restrictions may apply near waterways or forested areas

  • Typical lot sizes:

    • Rural properties: 2 hectares – 40 hectares

    • Some smaller rural residential blocks closer to townships

  • Key constraints:

    • High bushfire risk due to forest surroundings

    • Flood and riparian setbacks near waterways

    • Access and infrastructure considerations for larger blocks

  • Utilities available:

    • Limited town water — rainwater tanks common

    • Septic systems required

    • Electricity available, solar power often used

    • NBN satellite or wireless connections

Building in Currowan requires designs that respect the rural setting while meeting Shoalhaven Council compliance requirements.

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

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Currowan 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 rural homes due to bushfire, environmental, or waterway overlays.

  • Best suited for custom rural dwellings and off-grid solutions.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • May apply for simple rural dwellings that meet zoning and bushfire requirements.

  • Less common due to environmental and site constraints.

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 Currowan

  • Rural dwellings, eco-retreats, and bushfire-resilient homes on acreage blocks.

  • Yes, most properties require BAL assessments and bushfire-compliant design.

  • Absolutely — we specialise in solar, water tank, and sustainable design options.

  • 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 Currowan

We offer building design in Currowan for rural dwellings, sustainable retreats, and family acreage homes. Each project is designed to work with the natural setting while providing comfort, efficiency, and long-term value.

From concept to council approvals, our team ensures your project reflects your vision while meeting Shoalhaven Council standards for rural areas.

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 Currowan projects highlight how rural living can be elevated with thoughtful design. From bushfire resilience to sustainable solutions, every aspect is carefully planned to create a home that endures and inspires.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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With DMR Designs, your Currowan home will be designed with both lifestyle and compliance in mind, ensuring a smooth process from planning to approval.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Currowan?

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 Currowan?

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.