Expert Building Design in The Entrance

The Entrance is a lively Central Coast waterfront hub, famous for its foreshore, pelican feeding, and family-friendly attractions. The suburb combines holiday apartments, modern duplexes, and traditional family homes, making it both a popular tourist destination and a vibrant place to live year-round. Its coastal setting offers a unique lifestyle with easy access to beaches, shops, schools, and transport.

At DMR Designs, we specialise in building design in The Entrance that embraces the area’s coastal and urban blend. Whether you’re developing a duplex near the town centre, upgrading a holiday retreat, or designing a modern family home, our solutions are tailored to maximise both lifestyle and compliance with Central Coast Council requirements.

Our approach delivers designs that integrate coastal character, functionality, and lasting value, ensuring every project enhances this unique seaside suburb.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in The Entrance?

  • Tourism-Friendly Options: Designs suited to holiday homes and rental potential.

  • Coastal Integration: Homes optimised for sea breezes, light, and outlooks.

  • Urban Efficiency: Smart designs for compact lots near the foreshore.

  • Compliance Expertise: Deep knowledge of Central Coast Council planning rules.

  • Flexible Living: Layouts that work for families, retirees, and investors alike.

Our The Entrance designs combine lifestyle, compliance, and versatility to suit this coastal hub.

Central Coast Council Requirements for Building in The Entrance

 

  • Zoning types

    • R1 General Residential

    • B4 Mixed Use

  • Setbacks

    • Front setbacks typically range from 4.5 to 6.5 meters

    • Side and rear setbacks vary depending on dwelling type and lot size

  • Typical lot sizes

    • Detached homes: 450–700 m²

    • Townhouse/duplex sites: 300–450 m²

  • Key constraints

    • Flood-prone areas near Tuggerah Lake and foreshore

    • Coastal erosion and stormwater management requirements

    • Height limits near town centre and waterfront precincts

  • Utilities available

    • Fully serviced with water, sewer, electricity, gas, and NBN

Building in The Entrance requires designs that respect the coastal setting while meeting Central Coast Council planning and environmental standards.

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the Central Coast Council website.

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your The Entrance 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 multi-dwelling developments and mixed-use sites.

  • Needed for lots affected by flood or environmental overlays.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Possible for single homes or duplexes on compliant blocks.

  • Not always available near the foreshore due to flood constraints.

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 The Entrance

  • A mix of apartments, duplexes, and older family homes near the lake and beach.

  • Yes, many sites near the town centre allow duplexes, subject to council controls.

  • Yes, flood planning and coastal building standards apply near Tuggerah Lake and the oceanfront.

  • While we know the Central Coast area well, we also work across many suburbs within the Central Coast Council area, including Gosford, Terrigal, Woy Woy, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the Central Coast 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-inspired homes to acreage lifestyle layouts, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Central Coast project and how we can assist.

Our Building Design Services in The Entrance

We offer custom building design in The Entrance for homes, duplexes, and holiday-style residences. Our designs focus on blending lifestyle appeal with compliance and practical layouts for long-term value.

From family homes near schools to investment builds close to the foreshore, our designs suit the diverse needs of this growing suburb.

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

Discover our The Entrance projects that highlight how clever design can capture water views, maximise compact blocks, and create homes that feel connected to the coast.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Building in The Entrance demands a balance of coastal resilience and stylish living—something our tailored designs deliver every time.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in The Entrance?

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

starting fresh or upgrading your Central Coast 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 The Entrance?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Central Coast Council area. From Gosford and Terrigal to Woy Woy and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.