japanese ofuro bathtubs, tatami, shoji screens, rainchains

This time we had the pleasure to deal with an indian gentlemen, japan-lover and japanese sword collector.

This shipment consisted in an Asnaro wood tub AB grade L1370mm x W840mm x H660mm.
We supplied the drain fitting: the client will drill a hole and mount it on site to match exact site conditions.
The tub has a copper apron, wood dowels and the Bartok design Iron brand at front side top-right

Bathroom accessories include Asnaro large bucket, Asnaro ladle with handle and Asnaro-Hiba Oil.

We also supplied a copper rainchain adjusting the length from 2700mm to 3250mm (option).
Then the client choose some fusuma paper designs.
http://shitoya.com/
(see the list af all designs in the left side column menu of the Shitoya site. Names are in japanese so you will have to click all one by one and choose your favourite... )
We purchased it and shipped together, (charging a commission for the order, local shipping and glue/tools).

It is really exciting to work side by side with our clients thousands of miles away!

Asnaro wood tub AB grade (straight cut) w/ two internal seats
Dimensions are: L1600mm x W900mm x H690mm (ext. dim.) 604mm (deep)
Bottom is treated with natural oil, joints are built with wood dowel heads.

Imagine a dojo, a martial arts club in a quiet Paris suburb. Imagine the pleasure of entering in an aromatic hot tub after a tought training...

As you know, martial arts principles give great importance to cleaning: both in a literal and symbolic sense. More than cultivating physical strenght, martial arts are a "way" to find a perfectly balanced inner self, to higher ethics and to the appreciation of authentical
things...

Asnaro wood tub AB grade (straight cut)
Dimensions are: L1150mm x W700mm x H680mm (ext. dim.) 605mm(depth)
The tub bottom is equipped with a copper apron and the joints are finished with wooden dowels.
With a full set of japanese bath accessories, I am sure that the lucky owner will feel as he is bathing in a japanese onsen!

I think that the words of my client are more clear and evocative than any any detailed description I could make:

(...) Thank you for the photographs. It really looks a beautiful work that will give us wonderful moments for a long, long time. My house is on the top of a hill, overlooking a valley and the sunset. I am planting a face of the mountain with oaks, and I will be able to enjoy the view from the bath, as I did in my trips to onsen in Japan.
The water comes from a nearby stream and collected rain water . I am sure it will be a pleasure for all of us to enjoy your wonderfully crafted tub.(...)

Hinoki wood tub AB grade (quarter sawn) w/ overflow top cut
Dimensions are: L1400mm x W900mm x H680mm (ext. dim.) 600mm (deep) .
The bottom of the tub is treated with natural oil and the joints are finished with dowel heads.

Asano wood tub AB grade - straight cut - with internal bench.
Dimensions are: L1550mm x W800mm x H660mm (ext. dim.) 570mm (deep).
Plank edge with copper apron.

Hinoki wood tub AB grade (quarter sawn) w/ removable bench.
sizes are: L1550mm x W940mm x H735mm (ext. dim.) 640mm (deep)
this tub is built with extra thick wall planks= t50mm (bottom plank= t42mm)
This allows for a clean L corner detail while assuring solidity and waterproofing.

Tub cover with handles is split in 3 sections for easy maneuvering.

The drain fitting will be installed on field by the client to match the exixting location.

A compact but well proportioned Asnaro wood tub, quater sawn.
Sizes are as follows: L1100mm x W700mm x H700mm (ext. dim.) 620mm (deep)
The apron is finished with natural oil and the joints are realized with wood dowels for a simple, natural look.

The tub is also equipped with a cover conveniently split in two halves.

Knotty Hinoki bathtub.
The sizes are: L1320mm x W685mm x H660mm (ext. dim.) 546mm (deep)
The tub has a very simple, elegant shape with slanted short sides.

We hope that the tub will match the client`s expectations and will provide a sensorial background for his unforgettable memories of japanese hot springs...!

Knotless natural Asnaro bathtub.
The sizes are: L1314mm x W884mm x H730mm (ext. dim.)
The tub is equipped with a traditional cover and bath accessories.

We kept in touch with the client for about a year ...Yes, sometimes takes time to find the best solution, don`t be afraid to consult with us from the first stages of your project.

Anyway there is another note that we will not easily forget: the tub was ordered with the bottom plank edge to be treated with natural oil. Due to a misunderstanding with the carpenter, he built it with the copper apron! ... woops ...

Luckily we could solve the situation with a luxury detail: we removed the copper and planed the edge to completely remove the indents of the nails. Then we inlayed a base molding and treated it with natural oil. It is a lot of work but it was worth it: the base molding hides the joints of the bottom plank and its exposed face is naturally resistant to water being the wood grain parallel to the cut.

As the proverb says, Every cloud has a silver lining!

Knotless natural Asnaro bathtub.
This tub is going to be used in a therapeutical facility.
The sizes are: L1200mm x W900mm x H750mm (ext. dim.) 680mm(deep)
As it is very wide, it can be used also by two people facing eachother while fitting in a compact space. It is finished with copper apron, wood dowels and -yes- it a has a very nice top frame as anticipated in our blog.

The tub is also equipped with a tub cover and a step-bench.

Here is the tub with its cover (traditional type in separated planks.) Note that the color of the planks appears different but this is accentuated by the effect of the flash.

The tub is equipped with a cut to redirect the water overflow towards an existing shower. We are also providing a matching piece of wood to close this gap while the tub is covered.

Knotless natural Asnaro bathtub.
What is striking at first sight is the well proportioned, light design.
This is achieved thanks to the use of thick wall planks: 44mm (compared to normal 33mm).
This allows to avoid the top frame border while providinf a very versatile size: L1400mm x W810mm x H635mm (external dimensions) 555mm(depth).

This tub was offered in our outlet and the client asked us to customize it with an internal seat. The other accessories are made with the same asnaro wood.

Here are twin oval-barrel shaped hinoki tubs - 1520 x 670 x H710mm (ext. dimensions).
We used stainless steel bands to contain the water pressure. The client at first required copper bands, but it would be too weak so we proposed stainless braided wire which is solid and not too difficult to assemble. We reached the compromise with stainless steel bands: the look is very nice, but - boy - they had to be slowly hammered one by one from the bottom up and it took forever!

Another peculiarity of these tubs is that the bond for laminating vertical planks was replaced with 100% natural rice starch. See the blog for more details ->
http://www.bartokdesign.com/japan/0-blog_news/natural-tub-oregon-2.php

This tub was built for a resort villa in hawaii.
It is going to be installed in ground and was built with slanted sides so that the top 20cm will be visible with its elegant proportions and angle.
The external sizes are L1956mm x W812mm x H730mm and are realized with extra thick planks to allow the sharp corner detail (without skirt)

These 2 tubs were built for a resort project in the caribbean.
The sizes are very generous (1802 x 855 x 732 mm depth) and are realized with fine knotless asnaro wood. The tubs are equipped with an internal seat which is removable.
The set is completed with a step/bench and a narrow pitched marine style duckboard.

For this project we implemented a detail that is often requested: a western style overflow drain (See pictures below.) Until now we always recommended alternative solutions because there are no standard fittings that mount on the (thick) board of a wooden tub.
Also, normal overflow pipes are small and provoke a suction noise which disrupt the atmospere of a relaxing jpanaee bath!
But now we have a satisfactory solution both from the aesthetic and functional point of wiew. Feel free to ask in detail.

More than being just a tub these project was about building prefinished asnaro parts for a masterly conceived bathroom in wood and marble. Everything was designed with care for the detail while aiming at the balance of the composition.

When good design and quality craft meet, something wonderful sees the light.

There is a bench with marble base and a asnaro wood grate for the seat.
Then there is a step in asnaro to integrate in front of the alcove containing the tub.
Two doors close the tub alcove and as they open insidewards, you will be surrounded by wood while you enjoy the soak...

The tub is a roomy L2082mm x W1041mm x H965mm with two inner seats.(see photo below!). It is built to integrate in a niche and to create a ledge flush with the two asnaro doors. We evaluated different options, finally decided to build the tub and the ledge in one piece. In this way it is solid and there is no worry about assembly on site. Dimensions were checked accurately; then should an adjustment should be necessary, it is easy to shorten the ledge on the back or the side. If you can use a circular saw, you can do it.

Here it is! the mellow, peaceful, relaxing, feeling of being inside an asnaro tub... I wish we could start filling it up with hot water!

The client come to japan to search and collect construction materials for her new house.
We were glad also to introduce her a tatami maker and bamboo weaver in Kyoto.
It is a pleasure to deal with lovers of beutiful things and to help traditional craftsmen at the same time!

We were commissioned this generously sized tub for two to be mounted free standing in the center of a bathroom which also includes a shower box.

This tub is in quarter-sawn knotless grade and has one internal removable bench.
size:L1200mm x H700mm x W700mm (external dimensions)

Our client is a very nice and enthusiastic person and could not wait to see the tub, so he removed the protective plastic wrap... Not too bad, just put back the wrap and be sure to keep the tub wrapped until installed in order to prevent damage caused by dryness.

Other accessories include a lid (tub cover) with handles.
It is split in 2 halves so it is easy to lift and move. By using a lid you can prevent the water to cool down thus enjoy longer and more ecologic baths...

The client also requested a bench of the same width of the tub which can be used as a step or a seat for relaxing or getting dressed. We just had the some nice material in the exact quantity and lenght for making one bench of this size, so we could charge only the craftsmanship for this item!

This tub (size:L1000mm x W1040mm x H985mm) is in quarter-sawn hinoki-knotless grade and has one internal seat.
The bathtub is also equipped with a spout which will be mounted recessed in the wall.
The area of installation did not allow a longer tub, so it was opted for a short but wide and roomy shape. In this conditions, it is comfortable to take a bath from a sitting position, hence the internal bench. Additionally, the tub is deeper than standard, so it is possible to enjoy the hot water up to your shoulders even while sitting on the bench.
(Be aware that you will need over 200 gallons to fill up the tub...!)

At last, note the custom bench/step outside of the tub matching the width. This can be used as a step to enter the deep tub at ease. Also, we recommend to use it as a bench for relaxing before and after the bath.

This tub was coordinated by a very talented and professional architecture office in Switzerland. When we saw the drawings, there was just nothing to add or modify and we could start manufacture immediately.

Without being huge, this tub has majestic proportions and we could keep the design simple by using a 50mm extra thick plank for the front instead of an otherwise neccessary top frame border.
The tub is in knotless quarter cut hinoki (sizes L1570mm x W900mm x H685mm) and has an internal bench. Note also the copper apron detail at front which furnishes extra protection to the head of the bottom planks, and is almost completely hidden by the floor duckboards.

One nice thing about dealing with hinoki tubs is that they allow us to meet nice people!
Be they professionals, musicians, journalists or slow chefs, they are all wonderful people.
This was definately the case, and the preliminary phase was animated but surprisingly smooth. The tub was first switched to a different wall, rotated, adjusted.
Everything in with few, energic movements as an experienced cook would sautee eggplants and zucchini.

The tub L1200mm x W800mm x H660mm is in quarter-sawn hinoki - knotless grade and has a top border cut to redirect the overflow towards the adjoining shower.

The picture does not fully convey the beauty and peculiarity of this tub!
The request was a large tub L1800mm x W1000mm x H690mm (depth=600mm) but with the simplest - minimal detailing.

We had to employ a thick top border frame (100x60mm!) but turned it in a simple line with the following concept:
- Two sides were built fully as the top beam border (60mm thick)
- as the tub is set against a free standing ledge with the faucet, in this case the short faces become the main side.

Other accessories include an japanese style tub cover and an outside bench in hinoki wood which can be used both as a step and for relaxing after the bath.

The finishing is done in line with the natural/minimalist concept of the architect: almost invisible wood dowels for the joints and natural oil to seal and protect the bottom plank
and base area from humidity.

We had the honour and the pleasure to deal with a top class construction company for this project.
An extracomfortable L1560mm x W950mm x H845mm hinoki tub was designed and built to retain all the archetypical simplicity and grace of hinoki.

To obtain this box-like design we opted for an extra thick wall plank (50mm in place of the normal 35mm) and used only quarter sawn cut.
This detail allowed us to do without the top frame border.
Also, the corners of the tub are simply "L" shaped in place of the traditional "T" shape (see picture below.) Of course this was possible only because of the thick plank which gives more structural stability and width to set the dowels. Waterproofing and protection of the side of plank in the joint is also assured with this detail.

The architect office required us the bottom sleeper to be recessed like a base molding, to match the design of the rest of the room and cabinetry.
I am looking forward to see this installed!

We had some communication problem in the beginning because some mails were captured by the spam filter .
(IN CASE YOU DO NOT HEAR BACK FROM US, SEND A FAX OR CALL US.)
Anyway, once found the problem everything proceeded smoothly and we could ship this hinoki tub, custom size sunoko and accessories in record time.

Every detail such as tub size adjusments, wall joint, floor duckboard modular units were agreed together with the client.

The drain location was as per the client specs. He required also a cut in the top frame to direct the overflow towards the adjoining shower which has a floor drain,
The bench is of the removable type: use it for a relaxing half-body bath. Remove the bench to enjoy the hot water up to your shoulders, japanese style.

The wood for this tub was set aside last year, while the client`s house was still on the architect`s drawings!
We kept in touch with them every while and then to adjust the sizes or just for the season`s greetings: I never met the client in person but almost feel like old time friends. I am almost sorry to see the tub go but - who knows - I may visit one day!

Grade AB Hinoki bathtub L1300mm x W750mm x H660mm with japanese style tub cover and other accessories.

Considering the long humid season of the pacific coast, the hinoki was upgraded to all quarter sawn lumber. Note the soft parallel lines and the pale pink color...

A squarish (900 x 1000mm - internal dimensions) ASNARO-HIBA tub.
It has a top frame (100x50) and joints are finished with wooden plugs.

Two low benches can be used as a step to get inside or to relax after the bath (this hot-tub is located on a terrace and I guess that the view is stunning!)

We used transversal cut (slab cut) hinoki for the short and long sides. The bottom is in straight cut (quarter-sawn) hinoki.
Nicely proportioned quasi-square (L1000 x W1250 x H750mm) tub with a solid 120x55mm top frame. As you can see, we used the copper plates detail and no apron.



The mellow color of hinoki is just mesmerizing. I feel like I want to take a bath right now...

This large tub (dim. 2126 x 1736 external dimensions x H625mm - depth=538) was built in knotless asnaro for a recessed type installation.
The tub is also equipped with an internal removable bench and a W320 x D520 x H880 floor mounted spout, also in asnaro wood.

For the massive top frame (260x80) see also our blog

Candid knotless AB grade Hinoki for this tub. Frame oversized to 100x60mm for a bolder look. This tub will be recessed in a tiled ledge in a corner position, rotated 45 degrees.
For this reason, the non exposed joints have been finished with wooden plugs.

Note the double bench with the corner hole detail for the drain plug chain.
dimensions of this tub are: L1515mm x W915mm x H725mm (depth=630mm)

Knotless hinoki: L1200mm x W700mm x H700mm for this clean and simple tub to be used in a tiled bathroom. Note the details: Wooden plugs and copper apron.

Straight hinoki: 1500 x 1200mm x 930mm deep. Being quite deep, this tub is also equipped with an external bench that can be used as a step or just to sit down and relax after the bath. In this case we also supplied a wall mounted spout, hinoki shelves and fixed internal bench.

Asnaro wood: 1960 x 943mm x 580mm deep. Double slanted back for couples who like to talk while taking a bath. The back side is indented to create a water-sheet overflow.

back view with japanese style cover (partially set up).

Asnaro wood: 1600 x 800mm x 550mm deep. Comfortable and low maintenance asnaro wood tub

Knotty hinoki hot tub: 1300 x 750mm x 590mm deep. Natural and warm look for this splendid setting.

Immaculate asnaro wood tub with built in bench. The drain is placed under the bench for minimum interference.

Asnaro wood: 1600 x 800mm x 525mm deep. A long tub with a confortable slanted back.

Knotless hinoki: 1040 x 800mm x 940mm deep. This custom size tub is narrow and deep to enjoy bathing in sitting position.

A curvy spout and sawara wood buckets.

Knotty hinoki: 2440 x 1740mm x 650mm deep. This large tub can accomodate 4~6 people and is fully equipped with accessories.

We can also supply hinoki planks for wall finishing. These are pre-treated with 100% natural oil by Kredezeit (german maker)

You can recreate the atmosphere of a japanese ryokan with stools and buckets.

Straight hinoki: 1524 x 914mm x 620mm deep. A complete set for a japanese culture center in Canada.

A fixed bench to enjoy reading while bathing.

Straight hinoki: 1300 x 700mm x 573mm deep. A simple, refined balance for this famous designer project.

The spout can be opened from the top for easy maintenance. As the tub does not have corners, you feel pleasingly contained by the warm honey-like color of hinoki.

This wooden tub is equipped with a floor mounted spout. This has to match the slanted/curved edge of the circular tub. The "waterfall" balances the composition and add to the relaxing effect of japanese style bathing.

Straight hinoki: 1524mm diam. x 660mm deep. Round wooden tubs tend to be more expensive due to the manufacture and top grade material.

Here is a detail of the wall-mounted "waterfall" spout in hinoki wood and japanese style bathtub cover.

Straight hinoki: 1600 x 1143mm x 660mm deep. This is a complete set with custom size floor hinoki duckboards and spout.

Straight hinoki wooden bathtub: 1220 x 865mm x 610mm deep. A very nice natural pattern for this simple composition.