hinoki bath tub by Bartok design

Hinoki means literally "tree of fire" as it was used antically to spark a fire, thanks to its dry nature. As hinoki has an excellent dimensional stability and durability, it has been since ever the first choice when it comes to the bearing structure of a house. Still today hinoki is widely used in construction, expecially for the parts which are connected with the "life and soul" of the building: columns and foundations. The grain is very compact and prevents the penetration of insects. Please find more details in the introductory pages.

Of the family of Hinoki, the Asnaro, popularly known as "Hiba" is the symbol tree of the northern Aomori region. Its most prized qualities are its antibacterial and insect repellent characteristic: expecially when it comes to thermites, the hiba wood has no rivals. There is a proverb: "In a house built with Hiba, flies do not enter for 3 years".Strong at least as much asHinoki, Hiba is very resistant to rot and humidity: for this reason it is the preferred material for balconies, eaves, bathrooms and so on.