Expert Building Design in Dangar Island

Dangar Island offers a truly one-of-a-kind lifestyle in Hornsby Shire—accessible only by ferry or private boat and surrounded by the pristine waters of the Hawkesbury River. With no cars, lush vegetation, and a close-knit community, Dangar Island blends simplicity, natural beauty, and heritage charm into a rare residential setting.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Dangar Island. From sustainable new homes to sympathetic renovations, we deliver plans that balance lifestyle goals with Hornsby Shire’s strict environmental and access-related controls.

We proudly serve Dangar Island and every corner of Hornsby Shire—bringing expert guidance to even the most remote or regulated projects.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Dangar Island?

  • Island Access Planning: We understand the unique transport, logistics, and delivery limitations

  • Heritage & Bushfire Consideration: We create designs that preserve the island’s charm while meeting modern safety standards

  • Sensitive Site Integration: Respect for vegetation, views, slope, and stormwater is built into every design

  • Council Expertise: We meet Hornsby’s DA requirements for waterfront and isolated properties

  • BAL & Environmental Reports: We manage all necessary assessments for bushfire, slope, and impact on waterways

Our Dangar Island building design projects are all about working with the land—delivering beautiful outcomes, no matter the challenge.

The Hornsby Shire Council Requirements for Building in Dangar Island

  • General Setbacks:

    • Highly variable—often governed by site access, slope, and existing vegetation

  • Floor Space Ratio (FSR):

    • Typically low due to environmental sensitivity—often under 0.3:1

  • Average Block Size:

    • Small to medium lots on sloping bushland terrain, many near the water

  • Zoning:

    • E3 Environmental Management, E4 Environmental Living, and heritage overlays

  • Local Considerations:

    • High bushfire risk (frequent BAL 29–FZ), strict tree preservation, stormwater management, and marine ecosystem protection

Building in Dangar Island requires careful consideration of zoning overlays, bushfire ratings, and environmental planning policies.

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the The Hornsby Shire Council website.

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

Almost all projects on Dangar Island must go through the Development Application (DA) process.

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

DA (Development Application):

  • Required for all dwellings, renovations, and site modifications

  • Lodged through Hornsby Shire Council

  • Requires environmental reporting and BAL assessments

  • Site inspections and logistics planning may be needed due to ferry-only access

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Typically not applicable in Dangar Island due to zoning and environmental restrictions

We’ll evaluate your site and guide you to the most fitting approval pathway.

 

FAQs About Building Design in Dangar Island

  • We factor this into design and planning stages. Your site’s proximity to the ferry wharf, slope, and crane/lifting requirements all influence the build strategy.

  • Only with council approval. We manage arborist reports and guide you through what’s possible.

  • Most projects move from concept to submission in 6–10 weeks, depending on complexity.

  • Not at all—we also work across the entire Hornsby region, including Mount Colah, Hornsby, and Waitara. We're also available for select projects up to 4 hours away from The Hornsby Shire 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?

We’re here to help you take the next step—whether you’re planning a brand-new build or modernizing a classic home.

Our Building Design Services in Dangar Island

We design custom island homes, sustainable living upgrades, BAL-compliant extensions, viewing decks, and renovations—tailored to suit access restrictions and environmental controls.

From compact homes to heritage-sensitive upgrades, our Dangar Island building design services help your ideas become reality—stress free.

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 how we’ve delivered beautiful, sustainable homes in unique bush and waterfront settings across Hornsby Shire.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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From access-sensitive builds to nature-inspired retreats, our Dangar Island building design services bring clarity and confidence to every step.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Dangar Island?

We’re here to help you take the next step—whether you’re planning a brand-new build or modernizing a classic 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 Dangar Island?

DMR Designs proudly services the entire Hornsby Shire Council area—from the riverside homes of Brooklyn and Berowra Waters to the leafy streets of Beecroft, Wahroonga, and Westleigh. Wherever you're building across the Shire, we bring the same expert process and personalized design approach to every project.