Expert Building Design in Malabar

Malabar is a coastal suburb in the Eastern Suburbs, offering residents a peaceful seaside lifestyle with access to beaches, golf courses, and natural reserves. The suburb features a mix of family homes, townhouses, and modern developments, making it popular with families and professionals who value both community living and ocean proximity.

DMR Designs provides tailored building design services in Malabar, creating homes that reflect the suburb’s coastal character while ensuring compliance with Randwick City Council requirements.

Our designs emphasise style, comfort, and resilience, delivering homes that suit both modern living and coastal conditions.


Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Malabar?

  • Coastal-Adapted Homes: Built for light, ventilation, and seaside conditions.

  • Expert in Council Regulations: Strong knowledge of Randwick Council planning controls.

  • Durable Solutions: Materials designed for salt-air and coastal weather.

  • Customised Designs: For family homes, duplexes, and medium-density builds.

  • Energy-Efficient Living: Designs that enhance comfort and reduce costs.

Our Malabar projects balance coastal style, compliance, and long-term value.


Randwick Council Requirements for Building in Malabar

 
  • Zoning types

    • R2 Low Density Residential

    • R3 Medium Density Residential in selected areas

  • Setbacks

    • Front setbacks: generally 5–6m, consistent with neighbouring properties

    • Side/rear setbacks vary depending on lot dimensions

  • Typical lot sizes

    • Range from 350m² – 700m²

    • Larger coastal blocks closer to the foreshore

  • Key constraints

    • Coastal protection overlays and environmental considerations

    • Height restrictions to protect views and minimise bulk

    • Heritage items in specific precincts

  • Utilities available

    • Water, sewer, electricity, gas, and NBN are fully connected

Building in Malabar requires designs that respect the coastal environment and council guidelines.

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


DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Malabar 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-dwelling builds, coastal blocks, or non-standard designs.

  • Often applies when environmental overlays are triggered.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for single dwellings and renovations that meet Randwick Council and NSW standards.

  • Streamlined approval for straightforward projects.

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 Malabar

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

  • Typically 2–3 storeys, depending on zoning and block size.

  • Yes, designs must address erosion, stormwater, and view preservation.

  • 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 Malabar

We specialise in custom homes, duplexes, medium-density housing, and coastal renovations that comply with Randwick Council regulations.
Each design is focused on practical living, long-term durability, and aesthetic appeal.

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 Malabar projects showcase how DMR Designs delivers stylish, functional, and resilient coastal homes.

Portfolio

Home Designs

With us, your Malabar property will be designed for modern living and seaside comfort.


Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Malabar?

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 Malabar?

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.