Expert Building Design in Fernhill

Fernhill is a quiet residential suburb in Wollongong, valued for its family-friendly streets, local parks, and proximity to beaches and the city centre. The suburb consists mostly of older brick homes and fibro cottages, with many families choosing to renovate or rebuild for modern living. With nearby schools, transport, and easy access to both Towradgi and Corrimal, it’s a well-connected location for families and professionals alike.

At DMR Designs, we deliver tailored building design in Fernhill that suits the area’s character and lifestyle. Whether it’s a custom new home, duplex, or an extension, our team ensures designs align with Wollongong Council’s planning controls while adding modern comfort and functionality.

We specialise in Fernhill building designs that enhance family living and increase property value.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Fernhill?

  • Family-Centred Layouts: Homes designed for comfort, practicality, and lifestyle flow.

  • Knockdown-Rebuild Specialists: Transform older homes into modern residences.

  • Duplex Expertise: Ideal for families or investors maximising smaller lots.

  • Council Knowledge: Designs that comply with Wollongong Council rules.

  • Stylish & Timeless: Contemporary homes with enduring appeal.

Our Fernhill building designs bring together function, compliance, and timeless style.

Sydney Council Requirements for Building in Fernhill

 

  • Zoning types:

    • R2 Low Density Residential

  • Setbacks:

    • Front setbacks generally 5m–7m

    • Side setbacks 0.9m–1.5m depending on lot size

  • Typical lot sizes:

    • Standard blocks: 500sqm–700sqm

    • Corner sites: slightly larger

  • Key constraints:

    • Older housing stock requiring knockdown for redevelopment

    • Flood-affected pockets near low-lying areas

    • Streetscape character to maintain

  • Utilities available:

    • Water, sewer, gas, electricity, and NBN

Building in Fernhill offers excellent potential for modernisation with council-compliant design.

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

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Fernhill 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 duplexes, townhouses, or significant extensions.

  • Needed for designs that exceed height or FSR limits.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for straightforward new homes or knockdown-rebuilds.

  • Faster approval if all standards are met.

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 Fernhill

  • The area includes older fibro cottages, brick homes, and some modern rebuilds.

  • Yes. With its R2 zoning and growing demand, duplex projects are increasingly popular here.

  • Absolutely. We create Fernhill building designs that turn older properties into contemporary family homes.

  • While we know the Sydney area well, we also work across many suburbs within the City of Sydney, including Redfern, Surry Hills, Ultimo, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the City of Sydney 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 inner-city terrace renovations to modern apartment designs, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Sydney project and how we can assist.

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Our Building Design Services in Fernhill

We provide customised building design in Fernhill for homes, duplexes, and townhouses. Many projects focus on knockdown-rebuilds of outdated fibro or brick houses, extensions for growing families, and duplexes for investors. Depending on the site, this may include modern family homes with open living, compact duplexes near shops, or stylish rebuilds with contemporary finishes.

From planning to approval, our Fernhill building designs bring compliance, functionality, and long-term 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

Our Fernhill projects show how modern design can transform older housing into stylish, functional residences. Whether it’s a single-family rebuild or a new duplex, we create homes that suit the suburb’s character and lifestyle.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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With DMR Designs, your Fernhill building design will capture the balance of comfort, compliance, and modern appeal.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Fernhill?

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

starting fresh or upgrading your Sydney 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.

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CONTACT US

Not based in Fernhill?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire City of Sydney. From Redfern and Surry Hills to Ultimo and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.

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