Zen-like Geelong West steel factory conversion hits the market

Zen vibes take on a funky industrial edge at a Japanese-inspired warehouse conversion in Geelong West.

A 1920s steel fabrication workshop was the starting point for the unusual tri-level home featuring exposed roof trusses, a floating internal bridge and tranquil engawa garden.

Vendor Jann bought the three-bedroom house at 12 Wellington St, Geelong West, from architect Todd Palmer, who originally designed it for his own family.

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Unable to afford something of similar scale in Melbourne, she and her partner quickly fell for its quirky architectural features and unexpected treetop views.

She said the upper level was like being in a living nature gallery.

“We have really appreciated living there, I say that we have lived the hell out of the house.

Every day both of us have moments where we think ‘this is just so good living here’,” Jann said.

Though deceptive narrow from the street, the house is full of surprises beyond the stand-alone front studio that doubles as an entrance.

The main building, accessed via an open-air walkway, incorporates everything from two internal staircases to a sunken lounge and a Japanese tansu-style stepped sitting space.

Jann said the raked courtyard linking the two sections of the property added another special element.

“It has got an Asian feel to it and it’s really looks peaceful and energising,” she said.

“Nearly every single visitor has that wow moment when they come in through that home office/creative room and then catch sight of the courtyard.”

Personally, she loves the wall in the upstairs living area that features windows of all different dimensions.

“When you are inside the house it looks like you are looking out of picture frames,” she said.

“They are all different sizes and it really is like being in a living nature galley and looking out at nature among the treetops.”

A balcony off the dining area also offers views of Geelong’s city skyline.

Jellis Craig Geelong agent Malinda Leonard is handling the sale of the property, which has a $1.15m to $1.25m price guide.

She said she had never seen anything like it in Geelong West.

“The location is great obviously, being so close the CBD and train stations but it’s just very unique with the warehouse style,” she said.

“It’s so light filled and has great spaces and soaring ceilings … everything is on a grand scale and it’s beautiful.”

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