Expert Building Design in Narraweena

Narraweena sits just inland from Dee Why and Brookvale, providing a quieter, elevated lifestyle while staying close to shops, schools, and the coast. Many homes are older brick or fibro cottages on generous blocks, making the area ideal for knockdown rebuilds, extensions, and duplexes.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Narraweena. Whether you’re planning a second story, creating an open-plan living area, or rebuilding for a growing family, we bring experience, efficiency, and local insight to every project.

We proudly serve Narraweena with tailored home designs that are practical, lifestyle-friendly, and fully compliant with Northern Beaches Council regulations.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Narraweena?

  • Sloping Block Specialists: Designs that adapt to elevation and maximize views

  • Knockdown & Rebuild Expertise: Upgrade your property without overcapitalizing

  • Duplex-Ready Designs: Maximize return on corner or wide lots

  • Passive Design Focus: Natural light, ventilation, and energy efficiency built in

  • Hassle-Free Approvals: We handle all submissions and supporting reports

Our Narraweena building design services help you turn older homes into modern masterpieces, tailored to family life and future value.

Northern Beaches Council Requirements for Building in Narraweena

 

  • Zoning:

    • Primarily R2 Low Density Residential, with some environmental constraints on the fringes

  • Setbacks:

    • Front: 6m or aligned with neighbors

    • Side: 900mm–1.5m based on wall height

    • Rear: 3m–6m depending on block depth and slope

  • Typical Lot Sizes:

    • 500–900 sqm; includes both flat and sloping sites

  • Key Constraints:

    • Height limit of 8.5m

    • BAL-12.5 to BAL-29 in parts near bushland

    • Driveway access may be tricky on steep sites

    • Overshadowing and privacy rules apply to upper levels

    • Retaining wall requirements for major cut-and-fill sites

  • Utilities:

    • Fully serviced — power, sewer, water, gas, and NBN

Building in Narraweena requires careful consideration of zoning overlays, bushfire ratings, and environmental planning policies.

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

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

Both approval pathways are possible, depending on bushfire zones, slope, and project type. 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):

  • Best for new builds, upper-level additions, or sloping sites

  • We manage all necessary plans, reports, and council communication

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Available for extensions, garages, and compliant knockdown rebuilds on flat, clear lots

  • We assess eligibility and streamline the approval process

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 Narraweena

  • Possibly. We check your zoning, frontage, and minimum lot size to determine if a duplex or subdivision is allowed.

  • Not at all. We specialize in designs that follow the slope, reduce excavation, and add character with levels.

  • For rebuilds or larger projects, yes. We coordinate stormwater plans and council approvals where required.

  • 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 Narraweena

From simple upgrades to major transformations, our Narraweena building design services give you the clarity, creativity, and compliance you need to build with confidence.

We design homes that fit the block, the brief, and the Northern Beaches lifestyle.

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 nearby projects in Dee Why, Cromer, and Beacon Hill—each shaped for steep land, aging homes, and smart design outcomes.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Our Narraweena building designs turn older properties into long-term family homes.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Narraweena?

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 Narraweena?

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.