Expert Building Design in Milsons Passage

Milsons Passage is one of Hornsby Shire’s most unique and secluded suburbs—accessible only by boat, nestled along the Hawkesbury River. With no road access, services, or vehicles, life in Milsons Passage is quiet, self-sufficient, and deeply connected to nature. Whether you’re planning a riverside retreat or updating an existing off-grid home, designing here takes careful planning, creativity, and compliance with complex environmental regulations.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Milsons Passage. From solar-powered cottages to sustainable extensions and boathouses, we create designs that are low-impact, regulation-ready, and tailored to the constraints of this beautiful but isolated setting.

We proudly service Milsons Passage and every corner of Hornsby Shire—delivering thoughtful, practical designs, no matter how remote.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Milsons Passage?

  • Experience with Water-Access Properties: We know how to design for remote, logistically complex sites

  • Sustainable Off-Grid Solutions: Solar, rainwater, and waste systems designed for self-reliance

  • Bushfire & Flood Planning: Full BAL assessment and waterfront hazard mitigation

  • Lightweight, Low-Impact Designs: Materials and construction suited for barge transport and remote builds

  • End-to-End Service: We guide you from design to DA approval—including all required reports

Our Milsons Passage building design projects prioritize simplicity, resilience, and environmental compliance—built to work with the river, not against it.

The Hornsby Shire Council Requirements for Building in Milsons Passage

  • General Setbacks:

    • Typically 10m+ from water, subject to slope and flood levels

  • Floor Space Ratio (FSR):

    • Often 10% site coverage or less in E3 Environmental zones

  • Average Block Size:

    • Small riverfront lots with steep gradients and dense vegetation

  • Zoning:

    • E3 Environmental Management, often with heritage or ecological overlays

  • Local Considerations:

    • BAL ratings (up to BAL-40 or BAL-FZ), flood risk, vegetation protection, boat-only access, and remote infrastructure planning

Building in Milsons Passage 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 Milsons Passage Project?

In Milsons Passage, a Development Application (DA) is almost always necessary.

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

DA (Development Application):

  • Required for all dwellings, additions, or rebuilds

  • Submitted to Hornsby Shire Council

  • Involves bushfire, slope, flood, and access assessments

  • Allows for creative, site-responsive design outcomes

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Typically not an option due to environmental and access constraints

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

 

FAQs About Building Design in Milsons Passage

  • We design with transport in mind—favoring lightweight materials and modular options that can be moved by barge.

  • Yes—but design must respond to site slope, fire risk, and access limitations. We specialize in this type of work.

  • 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 Milsons Passage

We offer custom riverfront homes, upgrades to existing cottages, off-grid dwellings, extensions, boathouses, and low-impact designs tailored to the remote and rugged setting.

From modest extensions to striking new builds, our Milsons Passage 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 brought remote, off-grid homes and resilient riverfront designs to life across Hornsby Shire. From thoughtful planning to full council approval, our process delivers peace of mind and outstanding results.

Portfolio

⇨

Home Designs

⇨

From rugged riverside retreats to resilient off-grid homes, our Milsons Passage building design services are made for the land, water, and lifestyle.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Milsons Passage?

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 Milsons Passage?

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.