Expert Building Design in Gundamaian

Gundamaian is a small riverside locality within the Sutherland Shire, bordered by the Port Hacking River and surrounded by the lush bushland of the Royal National Park. Known for its seclusion and natural beauty, the area is home to a limited number of residences, holiday houses, and waterfront retreats that prioritise privacy and lifestyle.

Residents and visitors value Gundamaian for its tranquil environment, boating access, and unspoiled natural surroundings. The housing mix is unique, with waterfront homes designed to maximise river views and steep blocks that require careful architectural planning. Its close connection to nearby suburbs and recreational areas makes it a highly desirable location for those seeking both seclusion and convenience.

At DMR Designs, we specialise in building design in Gundamaian that respects the sensitive natural environment and unique topography of the area. Our expertise ensures every project complies with Sutherland Shire Council requirements while delivering innovative, functional, and sustainable designs that enhance the riverside lifestyle.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Gundamaian?

  • Waterfront Optimisation: Designs that capture water views and breezes.

  • Slope-Sensitive Planning: Smart solutions for steep and irregular blocks.

  • Sustainable Practices: Eco-friendly features suited to bushland settings.

  • Lifestyle Focus: Layouts that maximise indoor–outdoor living.

  • Compliance Expertise: Skilled navigation of Sutherland Shire Council planning rules.

Our Gundamaian building designs achieve the perfect balance of lifestyle, sustainability, and compliance suited to this riverside suburb.

Sutherland Shire Council Requirements for Building in Gundamaian

 

  • Zoning types:

    • R2 Low Density Residential

    • Environmental Living (for bush-adjacent or waterfront sites)

  • Setbacks:

    • Front setbacks generally 4.5m–6m

    • Side and rear setbacks depend on slope and environmental overlays

  • Typical lot sizes:

    • Detached homes: 600m²–1,000m²+

    • Waterfront allotments often irregular in shape

  • Key constraints:

    • Bushfire-prone areas near the Royal National Park

    • Steep topography requiring retaining walls and drainage management

    • Vegetation and foreshore building restrictions

  • Utilities available:

    • Fully serviced with water, sewer, electricity, and NBN (some areas with limited gas access)

Building in Gundamaian requires designs that balance environmental preservation with functional and stylish living spaces under Sutherland Shire Council controls.

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

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Gundamaian 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 waterfront dwellings, bushfire-affected sites, and designs seeking variations.

  • Necessary for projects within environmental overlays.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • May apply to compliant single dwellings or extensions on suitable sites.

  • Limited availability due to environmental and bushfire 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 Gundamaian

  • The area mostly features waterfront houses, holiday homes, and architect-designed residences on large blocks.

  • Yes, foreshore building lines apply, limiting how close homes can be built to the water.

  • Yes, we specialise in slope-sensitive designs that provide stability, accessibility, and maximised views.

  • While we know the Sutherland Shire area well, we also work across many suburbs within the Sutherland Shire Council area, including Cronulla, Caringbah, Engadine, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the Sutherland Shire 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 beachside homes to bushland retreats and specialized compliance plans, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Sutherland Shire project and how we can assist.

Our Building Design Services in Gundamaian

We offer building design services in Gundamaian for bespoke waterfront homes, rebuilds, and holiday residences. Our designs are tailored to take advantage of riverfront outlooks while ensuring compliance with bushfire and foreshore planning regulations.

From initial concept to council approval, our designs prioritise both the lifestyle of our clients and the protection of the natural environment.

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 Gundamaian projects highlight how thoughtful design transforms challenging blocks and waterfront sites into stunning, practical residences.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Every home is created to embrace river views while blending seamlessly with the natural landscape.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Gundamaian?

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

starting fresh or upgrading your Sutherland Shire 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 Gundamaian?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Sutherland Shire Council area. From Cronulla and Caringbah to Engadine and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.