Expert Building Design in Sassafras

Sassafras is a small rural locality in the Shoalhaven region, set along the Princes Highway and surrounded by bushland and escarpment views. Known for its remote charm, forested landscapes, and proximity to Morton National Park, the area is popular with those seeking privacy, off-grid living, and rural retreats. Properties in Sassafras are often large acreages, making it a destination for people wanting to escape suburban life and embrace a slower, nature-focused lifestyle.

At DMR Designs, we deliver building design in Sassafras that suits the rural and bushland environment. Our designs take into account bushfire resilience, self-sufficiency, and sustainable living, while ensuring compliance with Shoalhaven Council standards. Whether it’s a family homestead, eco-retreat, or secondary dwelling, our approach adapts to the challenges and opportunities of this unique rural landscape.

Our Sassafras designs provide a blend of comfort, resilience, and environmental awareness, ensuring each home thrives within its natural surroundings.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Sassafras?

  • Farm-Friendly Layouts: Designs that suit working farms and rural acreages.

  • Lifestyle Homesteads: Comfortable, modern homes with country character.

  • Sustainability Options: Integration of solar, rainwater, and efficient systems.

  • Council Compliance: Expertise in Shoalhaven Council’s rural development controls.

  • Custom Solutions: Tailored designs for sheds, outbuildings, and secondary dwellings.

Our Sassafras building designs create practical, sustainable, and compliant homes suited to bushland living.

Shoalhaven City Council Requirements for Building in Sassafras

 

  • Zoning types:

    • RU2 Rural Landscape

    • E3 Environmental Management

  • Setbacks:

    • Larger front setbacks, typically 20–30m for rural lots

    • Side and rear setbacks vary but often exceed suburban standards

  • Typical lot sizes:

    • Rural acreage: 10–100+ hectares

  • Key constraints:

    • Bushfire-prone land requiring BAL compliance

    • On-site wastewater management

    • Environmental overlays protecting flora and fauna

  • Utilities available:

    • Tank water and on-site wastewater systems

    • Solar and off-grid power common

    • NBN fixed wireless or satellite available

Building in Sassafras requires designs that balance sustainability, resilience, and Shoalhaven Council compliance.

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the Shoalhaven City Council website.

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

Whether it’s a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), we’ll guide you in finding the fastest and most compliant approval pathway—anywhere in New South Wales.

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

DA (Development Application):

  • Required for most projects due to bushfire overlays and rural zoning.

  • Needed for eco-retreats, large homesteads, and secondary dwellings.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Rare in Sassafras due to environmental and bushfire constraints.

  • Only possible for very simple, compliant dwellings.

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 Sassafras

  • Rural homesteads, off-grid eco-houses, and large lifestyle retreats.

  • Yes, most of Sassafras is bushfire-prone, requiring BAL assessments and fire-safe design.

  • Absolutely, many owners opt for solar, rainwater, and passive design to support remote living.

  • While we know the Shoalhaven area well, we also work across many suburbs within the Shoalhaven City Council area, including Nowra, Huskisson, Ulladulla, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the Shoalhaven 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 coastal retreats to bushfire-compliant plans, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Shoalhaven project and how we can assist.

Our Building Design Services in Sassafras

We specialise in rural building design in Sassafras, from bushfire-resilient homesteads to eco-friendly retreats. Each design is tailored to acreage settings and environmental conditions.

From planning to approvals, we provide durable, sustainable, and council-compliant designs for Sassafras living.

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

Our Sassafras projects showcase how homes can merge modern comfort with environmental sensitivity.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Building in Sassafras requires expert planning, bushfire awareness, and sustainability-focused design—all of which we deliver.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Sassafras?

We’re here to help you take the next step, whether you’re

starting fresh or upgrading your Shoalhaven City home.

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 Sassafras?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Shoalhaven City Council area. From Nowra and Huskisson to Ulladulla and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.