Expert Building Design in Five Dock
Five Dock is a vibrant suburb in Sydney’s inner west, known for its Italian heritage, village atmosphere, and strong community spirit. Located just 10km from the Sydney CBD, it offers a convenient lifestyle with access to Great North Road shopping strip, waterfront parks, and quality schools. With a mix of Federation homes, post-war houses, and modern apartments, Five Dock presents excellent opportunities for new builds, renovations, and dual occupancy projects.
DMR Designs provides expert building design in Five Dock, delivering solutions that align with City of Canada Bay Council guidelines while enhancing functionality and appeal.
Our designs for Five Dock blend modern living with timeless character to suit the suburb’s diverse housing styles.
Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Five Dock?
Community-Focused: Designs that integrate seamlessly into the local streetscape.
Heritage Expertise: Sensitive renovations for character homes.
Council Knowledge: Strong understanding of Canada Bay Council planning rules.
Practical Solutions: Efficient layouts for growing families and downsizers.
Smart Investments: Optimised duplex and townhouse designs for developers.
Our Five Dock projects balance heritage character with contemporary design excellence.
Canada Bay Council Requirements for Building in Five Dock
Zoning types
R2 Low Density Residential
R3 Medium Density Residential
Setbacks
Front setbacks generally 5m–6m
Side and rear setbacks vary by lot width
Typical lot sizes
Detached homes: 400m²–600m²
Dual occupancy: 600m²+
Key constraints
Heritage conservation areas along older streets
Height limits of 8.5m in most residential zones
Overshadowing and privacy controls for attached dwellings
Utilities available
Fully serviced with water, sewer, gas, electricity, and NBN
Building in Five Dock requires designs that respect both heritage and modern lifestyles.
For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the Cumberland Council website.
DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Five Dock 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 heritage homes, dual occupancies, or projects outside CDC parameters.
Often used for townhouses, duplexes, and mixed-use developments.
CDC (Complying Development Certificate):
Suitable for smaller extensions, new dwellings, and alterations within standard requirements.
Provides a quicker route if all planning codes 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 Five Dock
-
Yes, especially on larger blocks over 600m², subject to council approval.
-
Yes, many older streets are within heritage conservation areas, requiring sensitive design.
-
Federation homes, bungalows, and a growing number of modern townhouses and apartments.
-
While we know the Canada Bay area well, we also work across many suburbs within the City of Canada Bay, including Concord, Five Dock, Rhodes, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the City of Canada Bay 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 contemporary waterfront designs to specialized compliance plans, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Canada Bay project and how we can assist.
Our Building Design Services in Five Dock
We offer tailored solutions for new homes, duplexes, townhouses, and renovations that reflect Five Dock’s unique character and community vibe.
From initial concepts to approvals, DMR Designs ensures your Five Dock project is compliant, stylish, and functional.
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?
From Plans to Reality: See How It All Comes Together
Explore our Five Dock projects that combine heritage respect with modern innovation.
Portfolio
⇨
Home Designs
⇨
In Five Dock, we design homes that stand out while fitting perfectly into the community.
Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Five Dock?
We’re here to help you take the next step, whether you’re
starting fresh or upgrading your Canada Bay 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 Five Dock?
DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire City of Canada Bay area. From Concord and Five Dock to Rhodes and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.