Expert Building Design in Matcham

Matcham is a semi-rural suburb on the Central Coast, celebrated for its leafy surroundings, spacious blocks, and tranquil lifestyle. The suburb features a combination of family homes, hobby farms, and rural residential properties, appealing to those seeking privacy and a natural environment while staying within reach of local amenities.

At DMR Designs, we deliver building design in Matcham that complements the semi-rural character of the area. Our designs prioritise functional layouts, natural light, and practical spaces while fully complying with Central Coast Council planning requirements.

Our Matcham projects combine rural charm, family-friendly layouts, and sustainability, creating homes that fit seamlessly within the natural surroundings while offering modern comfort.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Matcham?

  • Rural & Family Living: Homes designed for spacious blocks and outdoor lifestyles.

  • Bushfire-Safe Design: BAL-rated construction to ensure safety near bushland.

  • Sustainable Features: Solar-ready, energy-efficient, and environmentally conscious designs.

  • Flexible Layouts: Accommodation for secondary dwellings, sheds, and hobby farm facilities.

  • Council Expertise: Skilled navigation of Central Coast Council rural and semi-rural planning controls.

Our Matcham designs provide homes that harmonise lifestyle, practicality, and environmental awareness.

Central Coast Council Requirements for Building in Matcham

 

  • Zoning types:

    • RU1 Primary Production

    • RU2 Rural Landscape

  • Setbacks:

    • Front setbacks larger than suburban blocks

    • Side and rear setbacks vary depending on lot size and dwelling type

  • Typical lot sizes:

    • Rural properties: 2,000 m² to 50+ hectares

    • Acreage blocks: 2,000–10,000 m²

  • Key constraints:

    • Bushfire-prone areas requiring BAL-rated construction

    • Sloping terrain needing split-level or elevated designs

    • Limited access on some rural roads

  • Utilities available:

    • Electricity and NBN fixed wireless

    • Water via tanks or dams

    • Septic systems instead of sewer

    • Gas availability varies

Building in Matcham requires designs that respect the rural environment while providing modern comfort and functionality.

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

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Matcham 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 developments, bushfire-prone lots, and large-scale rural homes.

  • Necessary for secondary dwellings, sheds, or environmentally sensitive areas.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for single dwellings and extensions on compliant rural lots.

  • Limited applicability for bushfire-affected or sloping sites.

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 Matcham

  • Rural homesteads, family residences, and hobby farm properties.

  • Yes, properties near bushland require BAL-rated materials and site-specific planning.

  • Absolutely, we specialise in layouts that maximise space and functionality on challenging terrain.

  • While we know the Central Coast area well, we also work across many suburbs within the Central Coast Council area, including Gosford, Terrigal, Woy Woy, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the Central Coast 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 acreage lifestyle layouts, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Central Coast project and how we can assist.

Our Building Design Services in Matcham

We provide building design in Matcham for rural homes, hobby farms, and family residences. Our projects prioritise practical layouts, sustainability, and compliance with council regulations.

Each design is tailored to enhance semi-rural living while delivering modern comfort and efficiency.

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 Matcham projects showcasing homes designed to integrate seamlessly with the natural and rural landscape.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Building in Matcham requires rural planning expertise, environmental awareness, and innovative design solutions—qualities we deliver in every project.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Matcham?

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

starting fresh or upgrading your Central Coast 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 Matcham?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Central Coast Council area. From Gosford and Terrigal to Woy Woy and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.