Expert Building Design in Warriewood

Warriewood blends beachside charm with modern suburban convenience, sitting between Narrabeen Lagoon and Mona Vale. The suburb features a mix of medium-density housing, flood-prone lowlands, and designated environmental conservation zones, which means building here demands careful site analysis, flood mitigation strategies, and stormwater management planning.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in custom home design, drafting, and council approval services in Warriewood. Whether you're planning a duplex or extending your home within a flood-affected area, we simplify the process from concept to approval—no matter how constrained the site.

We proudly serve Warriewood with sustainable, high-performance home designs tailored to flood-sensitive zones, medium-density guidelines, and community-driven development overlays.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Warriewood?

  • Flood-Responsive Design: Thoughtful site layouts and elevated building solutions for overland flow and flood-affected areas.

  • Medium-Density Specialists: Designs that align with R3 zoning controls and promote efficient land use.

  • Stormwater & Drainage Planning: Integration of OSD systems, water-sensitive design, and hydraulic assessments.

  • Natural Aesthetic Integration: Homes designed to complement nearby wetlands, reserves, and landscaped corridors.

  • Full-Service DA Coordination: From planning controls to flood certificates, we manage your full DA submission seamlessly.

Our Warriewood design services are tailored to families, downsizers, and investors looking to build homes that elevate both form and function.

Northern Beaches Council Requirements for Building in Warriewood

 

  • Zoning:

    • Primarily R3 Medium Density Residential with pockets of R2 Low Density and E2 Environmental Conservation.

  • Setbacks:

    • Front setbacks usually 4.5–6 m; side setbacks 900 mm–1.5 m; increased buffers near environmental zones.

  • Typical Lot Sizes:

    • Generally 300–600 sqm, often with flood planning levels or proximity to waterways.

  • Key Constraints:

    • Overland flow paths and designated flood zones

    • OSD (On-site Stormwater Detention) system requirements

    • Wetland protection and biodiversity overlays

    • Height, FSR, and landscaping ratio compliance for medium-density projects

  • Utilities:

    • All standard services connected. Stormwater systems often require enhancement due to drainage limits in some pockets.

Building in Warriewood involves balancing architectural ambition with local planning overlays and sensitive natural surroundings.

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

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

Development Applications are the standard in Warriewood due to flood-prone zoning, ecological overlays, and medium-density requirements. 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 new builds, duplexes, and flood-affected lots.

  • Required when building near environmental protection zones or exceeding basic envelope controls.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Possible for internal alterations or minor additions on flat, compliant blocks.

  • Only applicable if strict flood and zoning criteria are met.

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 Warriewood

  • Yes, Warriewood’s R3 zoning allows for medium-density housing like duplexes and townhouses, subject to council controls and flood planning levels.

  • You can, but it requires expert site assessment, elevated floor levels, and council-reviewed flood certificates. We manage all of this for you.

  • Yes. On-site detention and stormwater plans are often mandatory. Our team will ensure all drainage designs comply with council requirements.

  • 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 Warriewood

From flood-resilient homes to modern medium-density builds, our Warriewood designs combine form, function, and local compliance.

We’re experts in turning complex sites into custom-designed homes—built to suit the landscape and your lifestyle.

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

Now that you know what to expect, take a look at how we’ve brought rural dream homes to life in Warriewood. Our portfolio and designs showcase what’s possible when design meets vision.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Whether creating a modern retreat or expanding your family acreage, our Warriewood building design services cover everything from concept to council approval.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Warriewood?

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 Warriewood?

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.