Expert Building Design in North Narrabeen Beach

North Narrabeen Beach is a renowned surf break and lagoon-side location, offering a relaxed coastal lifestyle with a mix of beach shacks, renovated family homes, and elevated residences. Its unique setting between the ocean and Narrabeen Lagoon demands designs that respond to both water views and environmental considerations.

DMR Designs creates homes in North Narrabeen Beach that maximise outlooks, embrace natural ventilation, and meet Northern Beaches Council requirements for coastal and flood-affected areas.

We proudly serve North Narrabeen Beach with building designs that blend lifestyle, resilience, and compliance.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in North Narrabeen Beach?

  • Dual-Waterfront Design Expertise: Homes tailored to ocean and lagoon-facing lots

  • Maximised Natural Light & Breezes: Floorplans that celebrate coastal living

  • Flood & Storm-Aware Solutions: Elevated designs and resilient construction methods

  • Full DA or CDC Management: Guidance through approvals for both standard and constrained sites

  • Sustainable & Low-Maintenance: Materials selected for longevity in salt-air environments

Our North Narrabeen Beach building designs combine aesthetics and practicality, ensuring your home performs beautifully for decades.

Northern Beaches Council Requirements for Building in North Narrabeen Beach

 

  • Zoning types

    • Predominantly R2 Low Density Residential, with E2 Environmental Conservation near lagoon and dune systems

  • Setbacks

    • Front: 4.5–6 m depending on street character

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

    • Rear: 3–6 m, often increased on waterfront or environmentally sensitive sites

  • Typical lot sizes

    • 500–900 sqm, with some larger lagoon-front parcels

  • Key constraints

    • Flood planning controls around Narrabeen Lagoon and creek lines

    • Coastal hazard mapping for beachfront parcels

    • Foreshore building lines protecting dune systems and lagoon foreshores

    • Salt corrosion considerations for materials and fixtures

  • Utilities available

    • Power, water, sewer, NBN generally available; gas varies by street

Building in North Narrabeen Beach requires a careful balance of lifestyle features, environmental protection, and compliance with flood and coastal regulations.

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

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

In North Narrabeen Beach, flood and coastal hazard overlays often necessitate a Development Application (DA). 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):

  • Recommended for lagoon-front, beachfront, or flood-prone sites requiring specialist reports

  • We handle design, consultant coordination, and all council submissions

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for minor works or compliant builds outside flood and coastal hazard areas

  • We’ll confirm eligibility and prepare all required documentation

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 Beach

  • Not without meeting foreshore building line setbacks and flood-free floor level requirements.

  • Often yes, especially if your property is mapped in the flood planning area—we coordinate these reports.

  • We specify marine-grade fixtures, corrosion-resistant finishes, and flood-resilient construction details.

  • 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 Beach

We deliver bespoke homes, renovations, and extensions tailored to the unique setting of North Narrabeen Beach, incorporating sustainability, compliance, and coastal resilience from the outset.

From concept through council approval, our designs are built to perform in both calm and extreme coastal conditions.

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 coastal portfolio, where elevated designs embrace ocean and lagoon views while safeguarding against environmental challenges.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Our North Narrabeen Beach building designs deliver enduring beauty, comfort, and compliance for generations to come.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in North 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 North 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.