Expert Building Design in Macquarie Pass

Macquarie Pass is a unique part of the Shellharbour region, located along the scenic Macquarie Pass National Park. Known for its winding roads, lush rainforest, and dramatic escarpment views, it offers a rare balance of rural seclusion and access to the Illawarra and Southern Highlands. Properties here are typically larger rural blocks, hobby farms, and eco-lifestyle lots, appealing to those who value space and natural surroundings.

Living in Macquarie Pass means enjoying a serene environment with bushwalking trails, waterfalls, and lookouts right at your doorstep. While services are less dense compared to coastal suburbs, Albion Park and Shellharbour City Centre are just a short drive away, providing schools, shopping, and community amenities.

At DMR Designs, we provide Building Design Macquarie Pass solutions that are tailored to the area’s rural character. Our team creates homes that integrate with the natural landscape while ensuring compliance with Shellharbour City Council planning controls.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Macquarie Pass?

  • Rural Lifestyle: Homes designed to suit large blocks and natural surroundings.

  • Bushfire Considerations: Expertise in designing for BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) compliance.

  • Energy Efficiency: Passive design principles that work with the escarpment climate.

  • Council Knowledge: Strong understanding of Shellharbour City Council rural zoning rules.

  • Tailored Designs: From acreage homes to lifestyle retreats, adapted to your land.

Our Macquarie Pass projects are built to respect the environment while delivering comfort, function, and long-term value.

Shellharbour Council Requirements for Building in Macquarie Pass

 

  • Zoning types:

    • RU2 Rural Landscape

    • E3 Environmental Management

  • Setbacks:

    • Larger rural setbacks apply, often 20m+ from front boundaries

    • Side and rear setbacks vary depending on block size and topography

  • Typical lot sizes:

    • Rural lifestyle blocks: 2,000m² – 4ha

    • Larger rural holdings beyond 4ha

  • Key constraints:

    • Bushfire-prone land with strict BAL ratings

    • Slope and escarpment conditions impacting design and access

    • Limited service connections in some areas

  • Utilities available:

    • Many properties rely on rainwater tanks and on-site wastewater systems

    • Electricity available, NBN and gas access vary by site

Designing in Macquarie Pass requires balancing environmental considerations, rural zoning, and lifestyle needs.

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

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Macquarie Pass 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 new homes in rural or environmental zones.

  • Necessary where bushfire risk, slope, or zoning constraints apply.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Rare in Macquarie Pass due to rural zoning and bushfire overlays.

  • Only possible for minor alterations or compliant structures with low BAL ratings.

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 Macquarie Pass

  • Large, single-dwelling homes designed for acreage living are most common, often with wide verandahs and orientation to maximise views.

  • Yes, almost all of Macquarie Pass is bushfire-prone. Designs must be assessed and built in accordance with the site’s BAL rating.

  • Absolutely. We specialise in designs that incorporate solar orientation, rainwater collection, and energy-efficient layouts.

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

Our Building Design Services in Macquarie Pass

We provide tailored building design in Macquarie Pass for rural homes, eco-retreats, and lifestyle properties. Our team creates designs that work with natural land features, ensure bushfire compliance, and meet Shellharbour City Council planning rules.

Whether you are planning a new family home on acreage, a sustainable build, or upgrading an existing property, DMR Designs delivers designs that balance rural living with modern comfort.

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 Macquarie Pass projects highlight how thoughtful design enhances rural living. From family-friendly acreage homes to eco-conscious retreats, we create homes that are connected to their natural surroundings while meeting council requirements.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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With DMR Designs, your Macquarie Pass project is guided by expertise, creativity, and a deep respect for the environment.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Macquarie Pass?

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

starting fresh or upgrading your Shellharbour 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 Macquarie Pass?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Shellharbour City Council area. From Barrack Heights and Oak Flats to Albion Park and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.