Expert Building Design in Little Bay

Little Bay is a peaceful coastal suburb in the Eastern Suburbs, known for its pristine beaches, golf courses, and relaxed lifestyle. With a mix of modern apartments, luxury townhouses, and freestanding homes, the area attracts families, professionals, and downsizers who value seaside living with easy city access. Its strong community feel and natural beauty make it a highly desirable place to live.

DMR Designs provides expert building design services in Little Bay, delivering homes that align with the suburb’s coastal character while ensuring full compliance with Randwick City Council regulations.

Our designs combine functionality, style, and sustainability, creating homes that suit both modern living and coastal conditions.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Little Bay?

  • Coastal-Responsive Homes: Designed to maximise natural light, ventilation, and ocean views.

  • Council Knowledge: Skilled in Randwick Council’s planning requirements.

  • Durable Designs: Materials suited to salt-air and coastal weather.

  • Custom Solutions: Tailored for family homes, duplexes, and contemporary apartments.

  • Sustainable Living: Designs that promote energy efficiency and comfort.

Our Little Bay projects deliver aesthetic appeal, council compliance, and long-term value.

Randwick Council Requirements for Building in Little Bay

 

  • Zoning types

    • R2 Low Density Residential

    • R3 Medium Density Residential (selected areas)

    • Mixed-use developments in limited precincts

  • Setbacks

    • Front setbacks usually 5–6m, consistent with streetscape

    • Side and rear setbacks vary depending on lot size

  • Typical lot sizes

    • Coastal blocks: 300m² – 700m²

    • Townhouse/medium density sites may be smaller

  • Key constraints

    • Coastal protection and environmental overlays

    • Height limits to preserve ocean views and neighbourhood character

    • Potential heritage considerations in certain precincts

  • Utilities available

    • Fully serviced with water, sewer, gas, electricity, and NBN

Building in Little Bay requires thoughtful designs that respect the coastal environment and community character.

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

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Little Bay 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 multi-dwellings, coastal blocks with restrictions, or non-standard designs.

  • Essential where environmental or heritage considerations apply.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Possible for single homes or alterations that fully comply with Randwick Council and NSW codes.

  • A faster option for straightforward builds.

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 Little Bay

  • Yes, in certain R2 and R3 zones, subject to council requirements.

  • Yes, most residential builds are limited to 2–3 storeys, depending on zoning.

  • Yes, developments must address erosion, stormwater, and view protection.

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

Our Building Design Services in Little Bay

We specialise in custom homes, duplexes, medium-density developments, and coastal renovations tailored to meet Randwick Council requirements.
Each project balances practical living, coastal durability, and timeless design.

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 Little Bay projects showcase how DMR Designs creates coastal homes that are functional, stylish, and resilient.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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With us, your Little Bay home will be a perfect blend of lifestyle, compliance, and long-term comfort.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Little Bay?

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

starting fresh or upgrading your Randwick 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 Little Bay?

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