Expert Building Design in Tullimbar

Tullimbar is a growing suburb in the Shellharbour region, recognised for its village-style planning, tree-lined streets, and a mix of contemporary homes that suit young families and professionals. The suburb is well-regarded for its community-focused design, proximity to schools, and easy access to major transport routes linking to Wollongong and the Southern Highlands.

At DMR Designs, we provide customised building solutions in Tullimbar that reflect its balance of modern suburban growth and village charm. Our team designs homes, duplexes, and extensions that complement the existing streetscape while complying fully with Shellharbour City Council planning requirements.

We proudly deliver building designs in Tullimbar that combine comfort, practicality, and sustainability. Each project enhances the neighbourhood character while meeting the everyday needs of growing families and professionals.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Tullimbar?

  • Family-Oriented Layouts: Spacious and practical homes designed for families.

  • Suburban Harmony: Designs that blend with Tullimbar’s modern yet village-style streetscape.

  • Sustainable Practices: Energy-efficient features to reduce costs and environmental impact.

  • Adaptable Spaces: Flexible living areas for home offices, entertaining, or multi-generational families.

  • Compliance Expertise: Skilled navigation of Shellharbour City Council planning regulations.

Our Tullimbar designs deliver a unique blend of modern convenience, sustainability, and compliance tailored to the suburb’s character.

Shellharbour Council Requirements for Building in Tullimbar

 

  • Zoning types:

    • R2 Low Density Residential

    • R3 Medium Density Residential (in growth areas)

  • Setbacks:

    • Front setbacks typically 4–6m

    • Side and rear setbacks vary between 0.9–3m depending on dwelling type

  • Typical lot sizes:

    • Detached homes: 400–600 sqm

    • Duplex/townhouse sites: 250–400 sqm

  • Key constraints:

    • Height limits of 8.5m for most residential zones

    • Streetscape controls to maintain village character

    • On-site stormwater management required

  • Utilities available:

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

Designing in Tullimbar requires attention to council controls that preserve its unique village aesthetic while supporting modern development.

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

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Tullimbar 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 townhouses, multi-dwelling projects, or developments seeking variations to controls.

  • Necessary for homes on environmentally constrained lots.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for new single dwellings, duplexes, and alterations that fully meet planning standards.

  • Allows faster approvals in established residential zones.

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 Tullimbar

  • The suburb features modern detached houses, duplexes, and townhouses that reflect its planned community layout.

  • Yes, streetscape and design controls aim to preserve the suburb’s village-style character while ensuring consistent setbacks and building heights.

  • Absolutely. We design efficient layouts for narrow blocks, ensuring functional spaces while maintaining compliance.

  • While we know the Blue Mountains area well, we also work across many suburbs within the Blue Mountains City Council area, including Katoomba, Springwood, Leura, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the Blue Mountains 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 designs to specialized compliance plans, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Shellharbour project and how we can assist.

Our Building Design Services in Tullimbar

We provide tailored building design in Tullimbar for new homes, duplexes, townhouses, and extensions. Projects often include family homes on compact lots, duplexes that suit rezoned areas, and renovations that blend seamlessly with the existing village streetscape.

From planning approval to construction-ready drawings, our designs combine compliance, functionality, and style.

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 Tullimbar portfolio, where modern family homes and townhouse developments reflect the suburb’s balance of community living and contemporary design. Each project highlights how thoughtful planning supports a lifestyle that values both comfort and connection.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Building in Tullimbar requires expert design that aligns with its village identity and planning framework—something DMR Designs delivers with precision.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Tullimbar?

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

starting fresh or upgrading your Shellharbour 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 Tullimbar?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Shellharbour City Council area. From Barrack Heights and Oak Flats to Albion Park and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.