Expert Building Design in Narrabeen Lagoon

Narrabeen Lagoon, also known as Narrabeen Lake, is a scenic coastal lagoon surrounded by bushland reserves, walking trails, and waterfront homes. It’s a sought-after location for kayaking, fishing, and a relaxed lifestyle, with properties ranging from classic holiday cottages to modern architect-designed homes.

DMR Designs creates homes in Narrabeen Lagoon that maximise water views, enhance outdoor living, and comply with all Northern Beaches Council planning requirements.

We proudly serve Narrabeen Lagoon with building designs that harmonise with the natural environment while delivering comfort, functionality, and style.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Narrabeen Lagoon?

  • Waterfront Expertise: Designs to make the most of lagoon frontage

  • Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Flow: Perfect for waterside entertaining

  • Sustainable Design: Protecting the lagoon’s unique ecosystem

  • Flood-Resilient Planning: Building safely on waterfront lots

  • Tailored Solutions: Each design customised to site conditions and client vision

Our Narrabeen Lagoon building designs blend modern convenience with nature-focused living.

Northern Beaches Council Requirements for Building in Narrabeen Lagoon

 

  • Zoning types

    • Primarily R2 Low Density Residential, with some environmental protection zones along the water’s edge

  • Setbacks

    • Front: 4.5–6 m

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

    • Rear: 3–6 m minimum, with additional waterfront building line controls

  • Typical lot sizes

    • 500–1,000 sqm for waterfront properties

  • Key constraints

    • Flood-prone and tidal influence areas—elevated floor levels often required

    • Environmental protection zones along lagoon foreshore

    • Height limits to preserve views and natural character

    • Stormwater controls to protect lagoon water quality

    • Possible public access easements along the foreshore

  • Utilities available

    • Power, water, sewer, NBN

Waterfront building in Narrabeen Lagoon requires a balance of design excellence and environmental responsibility.

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

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

Most Narrabeen Lagoon projects require a DA due to flood and environmental considerations, 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):

  • Typically required for waterfront builds, flood-prone areas, or environmentally sensitive sites

  • Allows for tailored designs outside standard CDC parameters

  • Involves council review and environmental impact assessment

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Possible for smaller renovations or additions outside hazard zones

  • Quicker approval if all planning controls 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 Lagoon

  • Yes—most lagoon-front properties require a flood risk assessment before building.

  • Absolutely—we incorporate flood-resilient layouts and durable materials suited for tidal areas.

  • Yes—there are specific foreshore building lines and environmental buffers to protect the lagoon.

  • 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 Lagoon

From elevated waterfront homes to modern lagoon-view apartments, DMR Designs delivers designs that embrace the water while meeting all council regulations.

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 Lagoon portfolio to see how we’ve transformed lagoon-front blocks into beautiful, functional, and resilient homes.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Building in Narrabeen Lagoon demands designs that respect the environment and deliver lifestyle value—DMR Designs achieves both.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Narrabeen Lagoon?

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 Lagoon?

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.