updated until 2017. use as a reference. we ship worldwide.
A common way to proceed is that you let us know the sizes/image of the ofuro you are looking for, so we can provide a quotation/drawing for your reference and we can start from there for modifications/alternative quotations as necessary.



Custom tubs

Sushi counter for HK

Well, it looks like the edge of a huge bathtub but it is actually a sushi counter!
The wooden blocks of laminated hinoki wood are covered by a 7mm layer of solid quarter sawn thick veneer so it looks like solid lumber without the cracking and deformation problems that solid wood would have.
Besides, a trunk of such a dimension that can show straight grain on 2 sides probably exists only within the walls of the famous Ise Jingu Shrine…

Very close to the hinoki trees of Ise Jingu, we were very lucky to find a quarter sawn lumber more than 7 meters long. This way we could make the full length with the same plank: it means that the wood veins run seamlessly from one end to the other.

For the shipping and assembly we split the counter in sections.
After joining together the blocks, the counter will be treated with kihada ichiban, a full penetration water repellent. This product is based on the nano technology and (for reference imagine the Goretex fiber used for trekking and outdoors wear) prevents the large H2O molecules to penetrate inside while letting out the aroma and lets the wood breathe.

8 tubs for HK restaurant

Until now most of our production was directed to end users, anyway recently more Bartok ofuros are installed in commercial projects.

This time a restaurant in Honk Kong will employ 8 large round tubs (each seats 6 people).
We dealt with the architecture office in charge of the design and the order process was smooth and carried out with professionalism.

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The view of our warehouse in these days is really surreal…
We completed the first lot of 4 which will be shipped in a container.
The second lot is due to be delivered in august.

Here are the specs:
* material: japanese knotless sawara wood round shape bathtub
* size: Dia 2000mm x H730mm (600mm deep)
* details: SUS metal straps. Internal bench. Iron brand at center top.
Next time I go to Hong Kong I will definitely want the experience!

work in progress on round tubs

We are now working on an order of 8 tubs for an Hong Kong restaurant.
The first lot of 4 will be shipped in july and the second lot in august.

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I wonder if the customers will enjoy the hot water while eating? Or will take a bath while enjoying the landscape after the meal? I will keep you posted.
I am sure it will be a highly successful formula as the “japanese style” is really rocking in Hong Kong as well as Singapore.

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sassy tub for Singapore

This was a very rapid and smooth order.
It took exactly 29 days from the first information request to the submission of the complete ofuro pictures. To be precise, 15 days for the quotation, modifications, details fine tuning, confirmation and 14 days for the production!

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It is a neat and stilish knotless bathtub with the following specifications:
material: japanese knotless asnaro wood rectangular bathtub – T joints
sizes: L1000mm x W700mm x H700mm (590mm deep)
details: natural oil apron, wooden dowels @ joints. Iron brand at front right
options: overflow top cut, ball-type drain plug

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Here in the picture below, you can see the in action our smart and sassy “ball type rubber plug”. It comes for few extra bucks but it is worth it, especially for a tub with elegant proportions such as this one!

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tub on a platform for london

This project took about one month from initial inquiry to shipping.
On the other hand the communication back and forth was very efficient considering that at least 50 mails (considering question and replies) were exchanged to fine tune the order.
The site has a drain pipe sticking out of the floor, so the client considered building a duckboard to raise the floor and use it as a base for the tub.
In the end we decided to send the material and have the local carpenter building the deck. This way the dimensions can be customized to perfectly match the site, at the same time as the spare lumber can fit inside the tub during the transportation, we could drastically cut on the shipping cost.

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And here are the specs of the tub:
– Material: straight hinoki, AB grade
– Size: 1100L x 700W x 720mm H
– Top frame: plank edge, T joint @ corners
– Details: wooden dowels, copper apron
– Overflow: western style drain + vinyl hose

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Actually, at some point the client planned to use a western style overflow.
-> http://www.crosswater.co.uk/files/BFW0301C_specification.pdf
Since western style tubs are made with an acryl or frp shell about 6mm thick, an adapter is needed in case it is applied to a wooden tub with a wall thickness of 33mm or more.
The client seemed to find a solution but it did not give enough guarantees so we opted for our japanese overflow. It comes with a flexible pipe so it can easily adapt to the site condition.

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Knotty tub for swiss architect

As mentioned in the title, a swiss young architecture office ordered this ofuro.
Their design is very clean and they pay great attention to the texture and coordination of few, accurately chosen materials. We feel honored that they chose a Bartok design tub for their new project!

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The pattern of the knots is random as the carpenter has to give precedence to the orientation of the grain and width of the planks when selecting the material.
From this point of view, even more than straight wood tubs, a knotty hinoki ofuro is unique and unrepeatable.

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Here are some of the main details:
material: japanese knotty hinoki wood rectangular bathtub – L joints
size: L1200mm x W750mm x H700mm (ext. dim.) 580mm (deep)
details: copper apron, wooden dowels @ joints. Iron brand at back left

Another point that can be mentioned for future reference is that even if the site is in Basel,
it was more convenient to ship the tub thru Geneve rather than thru Zurich (air freight).

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I am looking forward to seeing it in its new home!

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For those interested in building or renovating a house with stunning design, here are the contact information of the Swiss architect:
Jaeger Koechlin Architekten ETH SIA
Zwingerstrasse 12 | CH-4053 Basel
T: +41 61 683 21 21 F: +41 61 683 21 22
www.jaegerkoechlin.ch

larger tub … for Seattle

Last year we made a tub for a client in Washington state.
In january, we received a kind mail saying that they were getting back in touch to order a larger tub.
“I love the original tub that I ordered last year, but it is too small for two tall adults! I am now embarking on building a small tub pavilion and will install a larger tub inside. I have attached drawings here so you can review them. I am excited to create the space to hold one of your beautiful tubs!”

I think that an ofuro is not a typical product for repeaters and we were really pleased and honored to receive a second order.

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The new tub is really gorgeous and I think I would give my right arm to be able to see the pavilion in which it will be installed!

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We made the client wait 60 days because we had several orders and we have only one craftsman (Mr. Wada) able to deal with such a large tub.
It takes him about 15 days to laminate and assemble one tub and it took him 3 full weeks for this one.

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The bench will be assembled on site, so we are including the pre-cut material and metal fittings.

Here below are the specs of the tub:

material: Knotless asnaro wood
sizes: L1600mm x W1422mm x H762mm (ext. dim.) 660mm(deep)
details: copper apron, wood dowels @ joints. Iron brand at front top-right
accessories:
– Hinoki wood int. seat W400mm w/ material for guides (unmounted)
– Asnaro wood traditional cover 1442x228x21 (7pcs)
– Asnaro wood floor mounted spout type E (without faucet)
– complementary Hygrometer

slow life on the express lane

Well, it is not the best title I could come up with, but with some explanation, I hope you get what I want to say.

This is probably the fastest order we fulfilled until now.
The client contacted us on march 4th by email: “How fast could I get it to Montana in the United States? I would like to purchase it as soon as possible. Thank you so much for your time and I look forward to hearing from you!”
On march 31 the tub arrived to destination. In these cases we recommend payment with Paypal.

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The tub is a Kadomaru model 930mm x 630mm size tub.
The order includes also a wall mounted wooden spout.

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Recently we made an agreement with DHL and in case of the “Kadomaru” the shipping service becomes very rapid and reasonable.
Other advantages are that we can use a cardboard box (cost redution) and DHL picks up at our warehouse so we do not incut in any additional cost for delivering to the airport.
Feel free to contact us for more information!

another tub for Paris

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Well, the problem of this tub is that it is so large that it doesn`t fit in the viewfinder!
We received a second order from the Parisian architect and cabinet maker we worked with in 2009. He contacted us because he is now designing another japanese style bathroom.
I am looking forward to seeing this new work as he is a master in matching stunning design with traditional sensitivity.

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We could not find a single trunk for the top border as in 2009. We though we found one suitable lumber but it was faulty in the inner part.
In the end we opted for a hagi-zai kamachi (2 thick planks laminated side by side) giving priority to the quality and clarity of the grain.

Here are the specs of the ofuro:

material: Knotless asnaro wood bathtub top border wide kamachi
size: L1800mm x W1600mm x H538mm (int. dim.) – 625 mm high
details: nat. oil apron, wood dowels @ joints. Iron brand at front top-right
options: Asnaro wood internal seat W400mm
accessories: Asnaro wood floor mounted spout

If you are interested in contacting the architect in Paris A.K. please let me know.
—–> japan@bartokdesign.com

KADOMARU ON THE BALCONY

Model/material: japanese Knotless Sawara cypress wood bathtub with cover
Sizes: L930mm x W630mm x 740mm (630mm deep)
Note: stainless steel wire bands. Iron brand at front top-right
Accessories: Hygrometer
Drain vinyl hose 1.2m

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