124 | BUILDING Karl Norris Construction One big project at a time not unusual Karl Norris Construction and the team build on the edge of Acacia Bay. Business has been going well for Karl Norris, a builder based in Acacia Bay, just out of Taupo. He says the region is a fabulous one to work and live in and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. “I think there’s a sense that things are picking up in the industry, though I’ve been fortunate to have some big projects that haven’t been impacted by the slower economy at this time,” Karl says. Norris Construction is a small building business at this stage. Along with Karl, who is still very actively on the tools, two other builders are engaged in projects. It’s typical, he says, to be just concentrating on one project at a time, given the nature and scale of the builds they get involved in. “We like it that way. All working on the same site and it helps me keep on top of where things are at. While I take a day off every so often to do the necessary planning and business work, we all keep a good work/ life balance, that’s important.” He also would definitely like to grow the number in the team with the ultimate goal of spending more time working on the business, rather than in it. With a mind to moving the company forward well, Karl has just engaged a business mentor who, he says, will help him fine-tune the business. Though originally from Palmerston North, Karl’s lived and worked in Taupo for 23 years now. He describes the environment as inspirational to build in, with the backdrop of the lake and mountains. Especially Acacia Bay, north of the town and bordering the lake is a special place Karl loves living and building in. He says there’s sufficient work for him in this particular neck of the woods to keep him busy for some many months to come. T T Sue Russell When Business Central spoke with late September Karl, he and the team were underway with a wonderful build on the edge of Acacia Bay, on an elevated site with stunning lake views. Located at Mapara Road, the home, when completed will enjoy 180° views, unparalleled in the area. “The owners had the 3 acre block for some time. Its on the side of a hill and they have subdivided off some of the land and this is where their home is being build. It will just be amazing when it is completed.” Framing had been completed and Karl was looking forward to the having the roof settled within the next couple of weeks. A significant 106m³ of concrete has been poured on the site with 90 holes drilled to anchor the retaining walls to the hill. Cathedral pitched ceilings are a feature in the master bedroom and lounge of the 320sqm home. Exposed rafters and a lovely wrap around deck are other stunning aspects of the home’s design. The home also features custom built reclaimed IronBark timber trusses on IronBark poles. “The project is a wonderful one to be involved in. It’s coming along well, according to schedule and we expect there’s another five months to go before its completed.” The home was designed by leading Taupo architecture studio JT Design and Karl says one of the great things about this build was the collaboration between owner, designer and builder right from the start. “We know this is when the best design and building outcomes arise and its certainly the case with this build.” Acknowledging that he’s been very spoilt with the number of homes he’s built in Acacia Bay, Karl can’t see himself working too far afield from this inspiring environment. “Because I’ve built a number of homes here, including my own, my name has got out and the work comes by word of mouth, which is the way I like it.” P R O U D L Y S U P P O R T I N G K A R L N O R R I S C O N S T R U C T I O N Built to last, designed to inspire www.stonefinish.co.nz (07) 378 - 2156 www.amurikitchens.co.nz PROUD TO SUPPORT Karl Norris Construction 1 Rakaunui Road, Taupo Phone: 07 386 8347 | apexwindows.co.nz High quality builds with customer satisfaction guaranteed
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