Expert Building Design in Narrabeen Beach

Narrabeen Beach, one of Sydney’s most iconic coastal destinations, stretches for over 3 km of golden sand along the Northern Beaches. Known for its vibrant surf culture, beachfront living, and proximity to Narrabeen Lagoon, the suburb offers a mix of modern apartments, luxury homes, and classic beach cottages.

DMR Designs creates homes in Narrabeen Beach that embrace the coastal lifestyle, capture ocean views, and comply with all Northern Beaches Council planning requirements.

We proudly serve Narrabeen Beach with building designs that enhance functionality, maximise natural light, and withstand the unique coastal environment.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Narrabeen Beach?

  • Coastal Outlooks: Designs that maximise beach and ocean views

  • Lifestyle-Focused Layouts: Open-plan living for seamless indoor-outdoor flow

  • Coastal-Grade Materials: Finishes suited to salt air and marine conditions

  • Energy Efficiency: Sustainable designs for long-term comfort and savings

  • Bespoke Approach: Tailored solutions to your site and vision

Our Narrabeen Beach building designs combine relaxed seaside living with modern convenience and long-term durability.

Northern Beaches Council Requirements for Building in Narrabeen Beach

 

  • Zoning types

    • Predominantly R2 Low Density Residential, with some R3 Medium Density zones near the beachfront

  • Setbacks

    • Front: typically 4.5–6 m

    • Side: 0.9–2.5 m depending on lot width and height

    • Rear: 3–6 m minimum

  • Typical lot sizes

    • 450–900 sqm for houses, with smaller parcels near the beach and lagoon

  • Key constraints

    • Coastal erosion hazard zones and flood-prone land near the lagoon

    • Height limits to protect views and coastal character

    • Corrosion risk from salt air—material selection is critical

    • Stormwater management to protect waterways

    • Surf Life Saving Club and public access easements along beachfront areas

  • Utilities available

    • Power, water, sewer, NBN

Building in Narrabeen Beach requires careful planning to suit coastal conditions and maintain compliance with environmental controls.

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

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Narrabeen Beach Project?

Most Narrabeen Beach projects require a DA due to coastal hazard and environmental overlays, though smaller compliant works may qualify for CDC. Whether it’s a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), we’ll guide you through the process from start to finish.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you understand the difference:

DA (Development Application):

  • Common for beachfront sites and properties in erosion or flood-prone areas

  • Required for builds exceeding CDC code allowances

  • Council review ensures environmental and safety compliance

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for smaller alterations or compliant new builds outside hazard zones

  • Faster approval process if all conditions are met

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 Narrabeen Beach

  • Yes—beachfront and lagoon-adjacent properties often require hazard and flood assessments.

  • Absolutely—we specify marine-grade materials to withstand the coastal environment.

  • Yes—Northern Beaches Council enforces strict height limits to protect views and local character.

  • Not at all! While we love working in spots like Avalon, Narrabeen, and Dee Why, we also take on projects across the North Shore, Ku-ring-gai, and even further out. We’re open to select builds up to 4 hours from the Northern Beaches 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 custom home designs to council-ready plans, we’re here to guide your project every step of the way. Let’s bring your vision to life — reach out today.

Our Building Design Services in Narrabeen Beach

From luxurious beachfront homes to modern coastal duplexes, DMR Designs delivers building designs that celebrate the beach lifestyle while meeting local planning requirements.

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 Narrabeen Beach portfolio to see how we’ve created spaces that embrace the ocean, withstand coastal challenges, and provide timeless appeal.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Building in Narrabeen Beach demands designs that balance lifestyle, resilience, and compliance—DMR Designs delivers all three.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Narrabeen Beach?

We’re here to help you take the next step! whetheR It’s

a new chapter or a fresh upgrade

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 Narrabeen Beach?

DMR Designs proudly serves the entire Northern Beaches—from Palm Beach and Avalon to Dee Why and Manly. Wherever you're building, we bring the same precision, creativity, and local know-how to every design.