Grant and Joeline
By KiwiAdmin2016 Construction • News 0 Comments

Making the impossible, possible

New Zealanders – or Kiwis – are well known for their can do attitude and optimistic approach to life. So when Grant and Joeline Norris and their family settled in south west France from their native land more than 25 years ago, they were determined to share this positive spirit amongst their new compatriots and French friends.

Making the impossible, possible is at the heart of what Kiwi Construction, the firm created by the couple after Grant finished playing rugby for Dax, offers to all its clients. Grant who is a qualified quantity surveyor and Joeline, a chartered accountant, have utilised their professional experience, know-how and understanding of the French culture and heritage to the benefit of their international clients.

The family have over the years successfully integrated into the community, with their children attending local schools and the whole family participating in social activities which characterise everyday life in the Landes. Their approach has been to marry their Anglophone culture with a deep appreciation and understanding of French values and approach. In particular, their experiences over the past two decades have helped shape their way of working by listening to the views of the older generations.

“There is always a way” is very much the Kiwi Construction philosophy – a determination to find a solution which works for the client and gets a job done successfully. This approach combines a focus on the customer and a respect for the traditions of their community, including the buildings and architecture which forms a key part of the region.

If you have a project which looks to be seemingly impossible – or you are seeking a fresh perspective – why not contact us? We love the challenge of all kinds of different renovation and construction projects, large or small.

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Kiwi Construction delivers professional expertise, exceptional customer service and quality construction to all its’ clients covering the Biarritz, the Pays Basque and Landes departments.

Contact:
Grant & Joeline Norris
+33 (0)5 58 55 35 22 / +33 (0)6 03 18 53 31
grant.norris@wanadoo.fr

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#renovation #France #artisans #buyingpropertyinfrance #landes #paysbasque #holidayhomes #bearn

construction france
By KiwiAdmin2016 Construction • News 0 Comments

Making the best of the space in your home in France

Why is creating an effective use of space in your home so important?

We discuss that question often with our clients; we understand how crucial it is to plan the layout of their home to design the floor area as efficiently as possible. Whether the property is large or small, planning the allocation and positioning of the interior space is a key step for ensuring that your home is appropriate to your needs both now and in the future. 
Retaining the character of the property as part of a renovation project is an essential part of what we do, respecting the heritage of your home whilst also making it more comfortable for modern living. So, what are the main things you need to consider?

1. Think about the position of the plumbing for bathrooms, toilets, showers as well as for kitchen units. In the first instance, consider the practical needs of you and your family. Any significant new renovation is likely to require new plumbing pipes, so decide where you wish them to run and the position of your kitchen and bathroom areas. Termites can also be a problem, needing a water supply to exist. This could be from condensation on a water pipe or a leak in a badly maintained wall… so another reason for looking closely at the structure of your property.

2. If you are planning an extension, avoid through rooms. You need to ensure that your home is liveable and the circulation space healthy, therefore it is wise to consider the function of every room at this planning stage. Providing direct access to areas such as the kitchen, dining and living space is especially important.

If you are considering a renovation project and thinking about making the most effective use of space, contact us and we will be happy to help. We have extensive experience in undertaking renovation and constructive projects in this beautiful region, working with a range of property professionals.

Kiwi Construction delivers professional expertise, exceptional customer service and quality construction to all its’ clients covering the Biarritz, the Pays Basque and Landes departments.

Contact:
Grant & Joeline Norris
+33 (0)5 58 55 35 22 / +33 (0)6 03 18 53 31
grant.norris@wanadoo.fr
https://www.kiwiconstruction.fr/

#renovation #France #artisans #buyingpropertyinfrance #landes#paysbasque #basquecoast #cotebasque #planning #spaceutilisation

By KiwiAdmin2016 Construction • News 0 Comments

How heat efficient systems can reduce your energy bills

If you live in an older property in France, you may be familiar with the challenge of keeping the property warm and properly ventilated.

We advise our clients that three of the most important considerations are good insulation, installing a cost effective heating system and ensuring a good circulation of air in the building.

Insulation will help to ensure that the property is air tight and well insulated. This will keep it cooler in summer and warmer in winter and save up to 80% in heating and cooling losses. Insulation can also help to reduce condensation.

Having a well maintained, efficient heating system is also crucial. There are of course a range of options, including solar heating, geothermal heating, wood, oil, electric or non-geothermal systems such as heat pumps.

However there is a third consideration which often clients do not think about…. the importance of good ventilation and the efficient circulation of air. Mechanical ventilation systems – often referred to in France as Double Flux VMC or otherwise known as Heat Recovery Ventilation Systems – can reduce your heating bills by around 20%. They work by drawing in the fresh air from outside and take it out via a simple flux mechanism.

There are a number of benefits: you’ll experience fresh, cooler air during the summer (perfect for hot evenings and nights) and it’s cheaper compared to air conditioning. These ventilation systems are better for your health, too. You will be less likely to experience mould in the house and for those who suffer from conditions such as asthma, the cleaner, purified air will be a real advantage.

So if you are looking to retain the character of your beautiful older property in France – but introduce modern thermal efficient systems to make it more comfortable – now you can… 
Kiwi Construction delivers professional expertise, exceptional customer service and quality construction to all its’ clients covering the Biarritz, the Pays Basque and Landes departments.

Contact:
Grant & Joeline Norris
+33 (0)5 58 55 35 22 / +33 (0)6 03 18 53 31
grant.norris@wanadoo.fr
https://www.kiwiconstruction.fr/

#renovation #France #artisans #buyingpropertyinfrance #landes#paysbasque #basquecoast #cotebasque #ventilationsystems#thermalefficiency

 
entreprise maconerie landes
By KiwiAdmin2016 Construction • News • Region 0 Comments

Come and join the party! Great Pays Basque festivals to enjoy in 2018

The Pays Basque in South West France has some of the biggest and best festivals for sure. The summer months are especially popular, but in truth you will discover local festivals in many communities throughout the year. Each festival has its own traditions, although events generally will have shared themes, for example music, concerts, puppets, artisanal craft markets, plenty of food and drink as well as fireworks as a finale.

Here in the beautiful Pays Basque, we know what makes a great party…. so here are just a few that have caught our eye.

– Fêtes de Bayonne (see photo). This captivating little city of timber-framed houses is set on the confluence of two rivers. Since 1462, every spring (29th March – 1st April 2018) the town has held a Foire au Jambon de Bayonne in honour of the world-famous ham. Every July (25th – 29th 2018) a 5 day festival is held – the largest in France. Many people will dress in red and white (the colours of the Spanish city, Pamplona) and enjoy the music, street theatre and parades. 

– Saint-Jean-de-Luz. This popular fishing resort has beautiful beaches and plenty of charm. In June, the town holds a Fête de la Saint-Jean to celebrate the arrival of summer and its’ patron saint. Expect concerts, colourful costumes and lots of food and drink. The following month be sure to catch the Fête du Thon (7th July 2018) in recognition of the town’s status as the first tuna port in France. There is even a Nuit de la Sardine too!

– Anglet is home to some of the beast beaches in France and has some superb surfing conditions too. Each July (10-13th 2018) there is an international surf film festival which brings together amateurs and professionals to celebrate cinematographic achievements… all surfing related. Alternatively, if rugby’s your game, why not try beach rugby? The summer festival is held this year between 20th & 22nd July. 

These are our choices; why not tell us which festivals in the Pays Basque are your favourites?

Kiwi Construction delivers professional expertise, exceptional customer service and quality construction to all its’ clients covering the Biarritz, the Pays Basque and Landes departments. 

Contact:
Grant & Joeline Norris
+33 (0)5 58 55 35 22 / +33 (0)6 03 18 53 31
grant.norris@wanadoo.fr
https://www.kiwiconstruction.fr/ 

#renovation #France #artisans#buyingpropertyinfrance #landes #paysbasque#basquecoast #cotebasque #festivalsinfrance#festivalspaybasque #placestogopaysbasque

 
 
 
 
 
 
batiment biarritz
By KiwiAdmin2016 Construction • News 0 Comments

Why you’ll love the food and drink of the Pays Basque

Food in the Pays Basque in South West France is a heavenly mix of Spanish and French cuisine: and increasingly other countries too. The region is famous for its tantalising sweet-hot peppers, an abundance of fresh seafood, hearty hams and other succulent meats, as well boasting an extensive choice of delicious cheeses. What is there not to love?

The legendary American Chef Julia Child once said, “Wine is meant to be with food – that’s the point of it.” And here in the Pays Basque, we have our fair share of superb wines from local vineyards; amongst these are the distinctive wines from Irouléguy (the smallest wine appellation in France) in the foothills of the Pyrenees, to the more widely known Madiran and Jurançon vintages.

There is so much to enjoy in Pays Basque dishes, both traditional and more modern.

On a typical Pays Basque menu you will generally find food steeped in tradition and flavour. Basque chorizo is one example; smoky and spicy, this tasty sausage has a vibrant red colour from the dried smoked Espelette peppers that are famous in the region. Let’s also not forget the celebrated Bayonne ham, a wide variety of duck dishes and cod prepared in a special Basque style sauce with peppers and flavoured with garlic.

Seafood is, without question, excellent; the superb Atlantic coastline is an ideal place to discover the best oysters in France as well as all kinds of fish and shellfish… accompanied by a chilled glass of rosé or white wine, perhaps?

As our taste buds change, the cuisine of the Pays Basque is also evolving to adapt original flavours and combinations. Many restaurants will include exciting new fusion recipes, prepared using ingredients from across the world and offering an additional dimension to French cooking; the aromatic and fragrant appeal of Thai food, elegant Japanese cuisine such as sushi and the spicier flavours of the orient, for example.
If you love good food or drink, you’ll love the Pays Basque.

Kiwi Construction delivers professional expertise, exceptional customer service and quality construction to all its’ clients covering the Biarritz, the Pays Basque and Landes departments.

Contact:
Grant & Joeline Norris
+33 (0)5 58 55 35 22 / +33 (0)6 03 18 53 31
grant.norris@wanadoo.fr
https://www.kiwiconstruction.fr/

#renovation #France #artisans #buyingpropertyinfrance #landes #paysbasque #basquecoast #cotebasque #jurancon #madiran #wine #food #cuisinepaysbasque

Photo credit: CARLOS MARTINEZ