Expert Building Design in Tullarwalla

Tullarwalla is a quiet rural area in the Shoalhaven region, surrounded by forested land and large acreage properties. It offers a secluded, nature-focused lifestyle, with homes typically set on spacious blocks that provide privacy and room for sustainable living. Its proximity to both Jervis Bay and Ulladulla makes it appealing for those who want a country setting while still being close to the coast.

At DMR Designs, we specialise in building design in Tullarwalla that embraces the rural setting while meeting all Shoalhaven Council planning standards. Our projects range from modern rural homesteads and farmhouses to eco-friendly retreats that suit off-grid living. We design with resilience in mind, addressing bushfire safety, environmental overlays, and rural infrastructure needs.

Our Tullarwalla designs bring together practicality, sustainability, and modern style, ensuring every property makes the most of its unique natural surroundings.


Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Tullarwalla?

  • Rural Lifestyle Expertise: Homes designed for acreage and country living.

  • Bushfire-Ready Designs: Compliant layouts that meet BAL safety standards.

  • Sustainable Solutions: Integration of solar, tank water, and energy efficiency.

  • Custom Homesteads: Tailored layouts for farming families or lifestyle buyers.

  • Council Knowledge: Skilled navigation of Shoalhaven Council’s rural regulations.

Our Tullarwalla projects create sustainable, practical, and council-compliant homes for this rural environment.


Shoalhaven City Council Requirements for Building in Tullarwalla

 
  • Zoning types:

    • RU2 Rural Landscape

    • E3 Environmental Management

  • Setbacks:

    • Rural blocks typically require 20–30m front setbacks

    • Side and rear setbacks vary depending on lot size and environmental overlays

  • Typical lot sizes:

    • Acreage properties: 2–40 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 common

    • Electricity and NBN fixed wireless available in most areas

Building in Tullarwalla requires designs that respect the rural character while complying with Shoalhaven Council requirements.

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


DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Tullarwalla 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 homes due to bushfire overlays and rural zoning.

  • Needed for larger homesteads, farm buildings, or eco-retreats.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Possible for smaller compliant dwellings on rural lots.

  • Often restricted by bushfire and environmental considerations.

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 Tullarwalla

  • Rural homesteads, contemporary acreage houses, and off-grid eco-retreats.

  • Yes, most properties are in bushfire-prone areas, requiring BAL ratings and fire-safe materials.

  • Yes, many owners choose solar, tank water, and passive design to reduce reliance on external utilities.

  • 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 Tullarwalla

We specialise in rural building design in Tullarwalla, creating homesteads, eco-retreats, and family properties tailored to large acreage settings.

From concept to approval, we provide council-compliant, durable, and lifestyle-focused homes in Tullarwalla.

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 Tullarwalla projects showcase how rural homes can be both modern and environmentally sensitive, blending seamlessly into the landscape.

Portfolio

Home Designs

Building in Tullarwalla requires specialist knowledge of rural design, sustainability, and Shoalhaven Council rules—and we deliver exactly that.


Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Tullarwalla?

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 Tullarwalla?

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.