Expert Building Design in Freshwater

Freshwater is a vibrant coastal suburb known for its surf breaks, heritage cottages, and tight-knit community feel. With many homes sitting on sloped or compact blocks, and with conservation areas near the beach, building here requires a creative approach that respects both the landscape and the lifestyle.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Freshwater. Whether you’re extending a classic fibro cottage or designing a brand-new beachside haven, we help you make the most of your location while complying with Northern Beaches Council regulations.

We proudly serve Freshwater with home designs that celebrate the coast, maximize outdoor living, and suit the unique rhythm of the suburb.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Freshwater?

  • Coastal Lifestyle Experts: Designs built for beachside living and salty air conditions

  • Heritage-Conscious Planning: Respect for existing character homes and conservation zones

  • Maximized Small Lots: Clever use of space, light, and airflow

  • Stylish & Functional Layouts: Seamless indoor-outdoor transitions and flexible floorplans

  • Council-Smart Navigation: We manage setbacks, view sharing, and heritage constraints

Our Freshwater building design services strike the perfect balance between modern comfort and laid-back coastal charm.

Northern Beaches Council Requirements for Building in Freshwater

 

  • Zoning:

    • R2 Low Density Residential with parts under heritage conservation or view-sharing controls

  • Setbacks:

    • Front: Often 6m, sometimes aligned with neighboring homes

    • Side: 900mm–1.5m depending on wall height

    • Rear: 3–6m depending on lot depth

  • Typical Lot Sizes:

    • 350–750 sqm; mix of original fibro homes, modern rebuilds, and duplexes

  • Key Constraints:

    • Some blocks fall under conservation or heritage streetscape overlays

    • Height limit of 8.5m strictly enforced

    • Overshadowing and view-sharing principles guide second-story additions

    • Sloped sites closer to the headland may require creative engineering

  • Utilities:

    • Fully connected — power, water, sewer, NBN, and gas

Building in Freshwater requires careful consideration of zoning overlays, bushfire ratings, and environmental planning policies.

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

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Freshwater Project?

DA is the most common path, but CDC can apply to straightforward additions. Whether it’s a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), we’ll guide you through the process from start to finish.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you understand the difference:

DA (Development Application):

  • Best for rebuilds, second stories, or heritage-affected sites

  • We handle shadow studies, design statements, and submission management

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for compliant extensions or rebuilds on unencumbered lots

  • We assess eligibility and fast-track where possible

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 Freshwater

  • Yes—if compliant, we can modernize your layout while maintaining charm or improving views and natural light.

  • We check all planning overlays and heritage maps before designing or submitting any plans.

  • Generally, yes—especially for rebuilds. We incorporate compliant garages or carports where space allows.

  • Not at all! While we love working in spots like Avalon, Narrabeen, and Dee Why, we also take on projects across the North Shore, Ku-ring-gai, and even further out. We’re open to select builds up to 4 hours from the Northern Beaches 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 custom home designs to council-ready plans, we’re here to guide your project every step of the way. Let’s bring your vision to life — reach out today.

Our Building Design Services in Freshwater

From beach-inspired extensions to bold rebuilds, our Freshwater building design services help you create a home that fits your lifestyle and elevates your everyday.

We design with the ocean in mind—and comfort at the core.

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

Check out our projects in other coastal suburbs—designed to optimize light, air, and style within tight coastal regulations.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Our Freshwater building designs are your passport to laid-back, modern living.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Freshwater?

We’re here to help you take the next step! whetheR It’s

a new chapter or a fresh upgrade

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 Freshwater?

DMR Designs proudly serves the entire Northern Beaches—from Palm Beach and Avalon to Dee Why and Manly. Wherever you're building, we bring the same precision, creativity, and local know-how to every design.