The Story in the Timber

One of the most distinctive aspects of The Bottleworks cannot be found in a brochure or specification sheet. It is hidden within the timber.

Throughout the restoration and conversion of the former Geelong Glass Works factory, significant effort was taken to retain and celebrate original timber elements.

Specialist heritage contractor Abode Restoration undertook the careful demolition and restoration of the original factory building before local builder Fox Building Group delivered the apartment conversion within the retained structure.

Across the apartments, original timber trusses, beams and hardwood columns remain exposed, helping tell the story of the building's industrial past and creating homes with a character impossible to replicate with new materials.

The conservation process extended beyond the structure itself. Hardwood timber salvaged from former warehouses previously located on the site was carefully removed, stored and re-milled to create recycled timber floorboards now used throughout the apartments.

Rather than concealing the age and wear of the original materials, the design sought to celebrate them — allowing the craftsmanship and patina of the timber to remain visible within the finished homes.

The result is a collection of apartments deeply connected to the history of the site, where the materials themselves continue to tell the story of The Bottleworks.

A limited number of apartments remain available – view the listing HERE.

Photo of the timber leaving the site before being up-cycled for use within The Bottleworks apartments in 2021.