Expert Building Design in Kangaroo River

Upper Kangaroo River is a secluded rural area nestled in the scenic hinterland of the Shoalhaven. Known for its lush valleys, rolling farmland, and proximity to Kangaroo Valley’s heritage village, it offers residents peace, privacy, and a strong connection to nature. With properties ranging from lifestyle acreages to working farms, Upper Kangaroo River attracts those seeking a quiet retreat away from the coast and city.

At DMR Designs, we provide tailored building design solutions for Upper Kangaroo River properties. Our designs focus on blending modern comfort with rural charm while ensuring compliance with Shoalhaven Council’s rural planning regulations. Whether it’s a country homestead, a secondary dwelling, or eco-friendly accommodation, we create designs that respect the natural landscape.

We craft homes in Upper Kangaroo River that balance practicality, sustainability, and rural character. Every design enhances the lifestyle of living in one of Shoalhaven’s most tranquil hinterland areas.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Kangaroo River?

  • Rural Lifestyle Designs: Homes designed for acreage living, taking in views and natural surroundings.

  • Sustainable Building: Energy-efficient, passive design principles for long-term comfort.

  • Character-Sensitive Projects: Designs that respect the rural charm and natural environment.

  • Custom Solutions: From large homesteads to secondary dwellings or farmstay-style accommodation.

  • Local Compliance Knowledge: Expertise in Shoalhaven Council’s rural zoning and planning requirements.

Our Upper Kangaroo River designs combine rustic charm with modern convenience.

Shoalhaven City Council Requirements for Building in Kangaroo River

 

  • Zoning types:

    • RU1 Primary Production

    • RU2 Rural Landscape

    • E3 Environmental Management (on sensitive sites)

  • Setbacks:

    • Larger setbacks apply—typically 10m–20m from boundaries depending on lot size and use.

  • Typical lot sizes:

    • Ranging from 2 hectares (5 acres) lifestyle blocks to larger rural holdings.

  • Key constraints:

    • Bushfire-prone land across much of the valley

    • Flood risks along the Kangaroo River and creeks

    • Environmental overlays for biodiversity and land management

  • Utilities available:

    • Many properties rely on tank water, on-site sewer, and solar systems, with mains power available in some areas

Building in Upper Kangaroo River requires thoughtful design to balance rural lifestyle needs with council compliance and environmental sensitivity.

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

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Kangaroo River 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):

  • Typically required for rural dwellings, farm buildings, and eco-tourism developments.

  • Needed for sites with environmental or bushfire constraints.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • May be an option for secondary dwellings or new rural homes on compliant lots.

  • Limited in rural zones compared to urban areas.

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 Kangaroo River

  • The area features large homesteads, farmhouses, and eco-retreat style dwellings.

  • Yes, overlays for bushfire, flooding, and environmental management apply to many properties.

  • Absolutely, we create sustainable designs that incorporate solar, rainwater, and on-site waste systems.

  • While we know the Shoalhaven area well, we also work across many suburbs within the Shoalhaven City Council area, including Nowra, Huskisson, Ulladulla, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the Shoalhaven 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 retreats to bushfire-compliant plans, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Shoalhaven project and how we can assist.

Our Building Design Services in Kangaroo River

We offer building design in Upper Kangaroo River for homesteads, secondary dwellings, and eco-friendly rural retreats. Many projects focus on orientation, energy efficiency, and materials that harmonise with the natural surroundings.

From early concept to final approval, our designs in Upper Kangaroo River combine practicality, comfort, and compliance with council rules.

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

Explore our Upper Kangaroo River design portfolio, showcasing how modern homes can sit harmoniously within a rural landscape. Each project demonstrates our ability to create functional, sustainable, and character-driven homes in this unique location.

Portfolio

⇨

Home Designs

⇨

Building in Upper Kangaroo River requires rural insight, compliance knowledge, and sustainable design expertise—all of which DMR Designs delivers.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Kangaroo River?

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

starting fresh or upgrading your Shoalhaven City 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 Kangaroo River?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Shoalhaven City Council area. From Nowra and Huskisson to Ulladulla and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.