Expert Building Design in Huntley

Huntley is a semi-rural pocket in Wollongong’s western corridor, known for its large acreages, rolling landscapes, and peaceful lifestyle. Unlike denser suburbs, Huntley offers a more relaxed, open environment, making it attractive for those who want space and privacy while still being close to Dapto and Horsley shopping centres. The housing mix includes large detached homes, rural-style residences, and custom builds on expansive blocks, giving the suburb a distinctive low-density character.

At DMR Designs, we specialise in building design in Huntley that suits larger blocks and semi-rural living. Our expertise ensures every project is tailored to its site while fully complying with Wollongong Council’s planning rules. We focus on designs that balance functionality with the area’s natural charm, whether it’s a modern acreage home, a rural retreat, or a knockdown-rebuild on an existing lot.

Our Huntley building designs enhance lifestyle, improve property value, and respect the unique character of the suburb.


Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Huntley?

  • Acreage Specialists: Designs tailored for large rural and semi-rural lots.

  • Family-Oriented Homes: Spacious layouts with indoor-outdoor integration.

  • Bushfire Awareness: Compliance with BAL ratings where required.

  • Sustainable Solutions: Eco-friendly features ideal for larger properties.

  • Wollongong Council Knowledge: Expertise in navigating zoning and rural planning rules.

Our Huntley designs combine liveability with compliance, ensuring homes are future-ready.


Wollongong Council Requirements for Building in Huntley

 
  • Zoning types:

    • RU2 Rural Landscape

    • R5 Large Lot Residential

  • Setbacks:

    • Front setbacks typically 10m–20m for rural lots

    • Side and rear setbacks 5m–10m depending on block size

  • Typical lot sizes:

    • Large residential blocks: 2,000sqm–4,000sqm

    • Acreage/rural lots: 1ha+

  • Key constraints:

    • Bushfire-prone land across many sites

    • On-site wastewater management required for some properties

    • Protecting scenic and environmental values

  • Utilities available:

    • Water, electricity, and NBN fixed wireless

    • Some lots may require on-site septic and LPG gas

Building in Huntley requires designs that respond to large blocks, bushfire risk, and semi-rural conditions.

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


DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Huntley 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 most rural and acreage projects.

  • Necessary for larger dwellings, sheds, and secondary dwellings that exceed CDC limits.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Limited applicability in Huntley due to zoning and lot sizes.

  • May apply for straightforward single homes meeting all rural development standards.

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 Huntley

  • Large custom-built homes, acreage properties, and rural-style residences.

  • Unlikely, as zoning generally favours single dwellings on large blocks.

  • Yes, many sites require BAL-rated construction to meet safety standards.

  • While we know the Wollongong area well, we also work across many suburbs within the Wollongong City Council area, including Corrimal, Fairy Meadow, Figtree, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the Wollongong 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 homes to specialized compliance plans, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Wollongong project and how we can assist.


Our Building Design Services in Huntley

We provide customised building design in Huntley for homes, acreage residences, and rural-style projects. Many clients here seek modern family homes with open layouts, large sheds or granny flats, and sustainable features like solar integration. Depending on the block, this may involve split-level designs for sloping terrain, sprawling single-storey homes, or secondary dwellings.

From concept to council approval, our Huntley building designs are created to maximise land potential while ensuring full compliance.

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 Huntley projects showcase how thoughtful design transforms acreage blocks into modern rural retreats. From spacious family homes to eco-friendly builds, every design reflects the area’s unique lifestyle.

Portfolio

Home Designs

With DMR Designs, your Huntley building design will balance space, compliance, and modern living.


Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Huntley?

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

starting fresh or upgrading your Wollongong 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 Huntley?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Wollongong City Council area. From Corrimal and Fairy Meadow to Figtree and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.