Expert Building Design in North Narrabeen

Bordered by the lagoon and bushland, North Narrabeen delivers a laid-back lifestyle with easy beach access, schools, and parks—all while offering generous blocks and diverse housing stock. Many properties are older homes ripe for modern redesign, extensions, or knockdown-rebuilds.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in North Narrabeen. Whether you’re upgrading a classic cottage or designing a new coastal home, we deliver designs that suit the block, enhance liveability, and align with Northern Beaches Council regulations.

We proudly serve North Narrabeen with home designs built for lifestyle, sustainability, and lasting value.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in North Narrabeen?

  • Knockdown & Rebuild Experts: We turn aging structures into standout modern homes

  • Flood & Bushfire-Aware Designs: Full BAL assessments and raised-floor solutions where needed

  • Designed for Coastal Living: Light-filled, breezy layouts tailored to the climate

  • Flexible Family Plans: Spaces that adapt to growing or multi-generational households

  • Hassle-Free Approvals: We coordinate all reports and manage council or certifier submissions

Our North Narrabeen building design services are ideal for homeowners wanting to upgrade without overcapitalizing or delay.

Northern Beaches Council Requirements for Building in North Narrabeen

 

  • Zoning:

    • Primarily R2 Low Density Residential, with some environmental overlays near Narrabeen Lagoon

  • Setbacks:

    • Front: 6m or aligned with neighboring properties

    • Side: 900mm–1.5m based on height

    • Rear: Typically 3m–6m depending on lot shape

  • Typical Lot Sizes:

    • 500–800 sqm; flat to gently sloping; some sites affected by flooding or vegetation buffers

  • Key Constraints:

    • Flood-prone areas near lagoon may require elevated floors and specific drainage

    • BAL-12.5 to BAL-29 in bushland-adjacent properties

    • Overshadowing and privacy controls for upper levels

    • Stormwater plans often required for larger builds

    • Tree protection applies in leafy pockets

  • Utilities:

    • Fully serviced — water, sewer, electricity, NBN, gas

Building in North Narrabeen 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 North Narrabeen Project?

Your block’s flood and bushfire status will influence your options. 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):

  • Required for builds near the lagoon or with environmental constraints

  • We prepare all reports and manage the full submission process

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for compliant rebuilds and additions on unaffected land

  • We check eligibility and handle all approvals from start to finish

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 North Narrabeen

  • Yes, but it requires flood level assessments, elevated designs, and stormwater planning. We manage the process.

  • Yes—if your block meets CDC or DA requirements. We’ll assess your eligibility and design a compliant, functional secondary dwelling.

  • If your site is near bushland or mapped as bushfire-prone, yes. We obtain a BAL report and integrate fire-safe features into the design.

  • 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 North Narrabeen

From raising existing homes to designing luxurious rebuilds, our North Narrabeen building design services help you plan smarter, faster, and with fewer headaches.

We help you build a better version of home—coastal, comfortable, and compliant.

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

Browse our projects in Narrabeen, Warriewood, and Elanora Heights—each shaped for light, land, and laid-back living.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Our North Narrabeen designs respect the suburb’s character while adding timeless value.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in North Narrabeen?

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 North Narrabeen?

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.