Expert Building Design in Mount Irvine

Mount Irvine is a secluded mountain village known for its cool climate gardens, orchards, and rainforest surroundings. With very few homes and large acreages, the suburb offers unmatched privacy and a strong connection to nature. Residences here are often character-filled cottages, eco-friendly retreats, and bespoke homes designed to harmonise with the rugged landscape.

At DMR Designs, we provide tailored building design services in Mount Irvine, creating homes that celebrate the natural environment while meeting Blue Mountains Council requirements. Our team ensures designs not only suit the lifestyle of acreage living but also comply with strict planning and bushfire safety standards.

We proudly deliver building designs in Mount Irvine that combine sustainability, liveability, and compliance. Each project enhances the rural and rainforest character of the area while providing modern comfort for families, professionals, and those seeking a retreat-style home.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Mount Irvine?

  • Acreage Specialists: Designs for large, rural-style properties.

  • Eco-Sensitive Homes: Built to suit rainforest and bushland surrounds.

  • Bushfire Compliance: Expertise in BAL-rated home design.

  • Lifestyle-Oriented Layouts: Flexible spaces for families and retreats.

  • Council Knowledge: Detailed understanding of Blue Mountains Council planning rules.

Our Mount Irvine designs balance seclusion, comfort, and environmental responsibility.

Blue Mountains Council Requirements for Building in Mount Irvine

 

  • Zoning types:

    • Environmental Living

    • RU2 Rural Landscape (on larger properties)

  • Setbacks:

    • Larger setbacks often required for rural-style blocks

    • Side and rear setbacks vary based on lot size and slope

  • Typical lot sizes:

    • Ranging from 2 hectares to over 50 hectares

  • Key constraints:

    • Almost all land mapped as bushfire-prone

    • Sensitive environmental protections for rainforest areas

    • Access and servicing limitations due to remoteness

  • Utilities available:

    • Limited services – some homes rely on tanks, septic systems, and off-grid power

    • Satellite internet in some areas

Building in Mount Irvine requires designs that respect rural living while satisfying Blue Mountains Council standards.

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

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Mount Irvine 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):

  • Almost always required due to bushfire risk, zoning, and environmental overlays.

  • Essential for rural subdivisions, new homes, and large extensions.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Rarely possible due to rural zoning and environmental sensitivity.

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 Mount Irvine

  • Acreage homes, cottages, and eco-friendly retreats designed for natural settings.

  • Yes, we provide solutions for solar, tank water, and septic systems.

  • Very strict—BAL-rated design is required for almost all projects.

  • 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 large acreage properties to bushfire-compliant plans, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Blue Mountains project and how we can assist.

Our Building Design Services in Mount Irvine

We offer customised building design in Mount Irvine, from off-grid retreats to eco-conscious family homes. Every design accounts for bushfire safety, sustainability, and the unique lifestyle needs of acreage living.

Our Mount Irvine projects reflect the suburb’s balance of seclusion, nature, and 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 Mount Irvine designs showcase sustainable living in harmony with the environment. From architecturally designed rural homes to eco-smart mountain retreats, each project blends lifestyle with landscape.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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With DMR Designs, your Mount Irvine home will be purpose-built for its extraordinary setting.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Mount Irvine?

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

starting fresh or upgrading your Blue Mountains 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 Mount Irvine?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Blue Mountains City Council area. From Katoomba and Springwood to Leura and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.