Step-benches (as the name says) can be used both to easily enter/egress the tub and as a place to sit and relax after the tub. Of course it can be used also to hold some towels or even your champagne bucket…
The sizes are custom made to match your space and way of use.
Please find here below some examples of tub/bench combinations.
Hinoki 500x400x400H
Hinoki 400x320x300H
Hinoki 609x450x648H
This is particular. We made it with the height to match the height of the tub.
Hinoki 600x300x300H
Nowadays wooden bathtubs are popular in rehabilitation facilities and retirement homes for the elderly.
Wood is soft and warm and it is very appreciated especially by people with pain or physical limitations.
Here below are two examples. it is easy to mount railings or neck holder fixtures.
Also, it is common to install a movable partition inside to adjust the size. This way it can be used by multiple people as well as singularly.
The worry is that if the tub is too big, elderly people may slip inside the tub and drown.
For this reason it is recommended to use a size so that you can reach the back end of the tub with your feet.
This thinking is recommended in general while it is not really necessary for an adult/fit person.
2 ) laminated counter covered with hinoki thick veneer(5mm).
In this case of course we can make a counter to match your sizes (maximum length is 22Ft.) in this case the cost would be about 3 million JPY.
We are looking forward to working with you and remain at your disposal for any question/problem.
Sometimes we deal with architect offices or construction companies, often we deal with end users.
Some clients are rationally minded business owners who have an organized mentality.
Some clients are carrying on their house remodeling and are very excited about the details.
Each tub has its own story which is what makes my work of “bridge between two cultures” so meaningful and rewarding.
This tub belongs to very enthusiastic client who knows what she wants and can communicate it very well.
Every email from the client it is like an energizing potion that leaves me fully recharged for the whole day…!
After about 3 weeks from the first email the tub is completed and ready to be shipped! It is a beautiful custom size kadomaru tub (see the details below)
Material is sawara cypress. The difference of color between the different planks is minimal, but because the wood fibers reflect the light with different angles when taking a photo the contrast appears increased.
Hot water will release a soothing aroma out of the straight grain of this sawara wood.
Here are the specs:
material: japanese Knotless Sawara cypress wood bathtub
shape: kadomaru with customs sizes
sizes: L1100mm x W630mm x 740mm (630mm deep)
details: stainless steel wire bands. Iron brand at front top-right
P.S.
I just sent the photos to the client who immediately replied:
“Please send as soon as you can!”
I am sure the ofuro is going to be pampered in his new home in Australia!
We were contacted by an architect renovating his home in Singapore.
The client was keen on hinoki material but did not like the traditional “white-pink melange” look of japanese evergreens.
After considering several options, the client opted for a more expensive “all heartwood” material.
The sapwood is eliminated before sawing and milling the planks so the color is more uniform and the lumber itself is harder.
We milled a tongue and grove on the long sides but did not manufacture the end matching joint (the planks would have become about 4cm shorter and would not fit the module of the project)
Also, we were requested not to bevel the edges. Our grumpy carpenter was quite uneasy about this (eliminating the corners make the flooring look more regular and prevents indenting of the edges during installation)
But we agreed that everybody would manipulate and install the planks with the utmost care and were able to manufacture the custom “perfectly flat” product.
The specs/sizes of the flooring are:
material: hinoki (Yoshino-Nara pref.) all heartwood
size: 2000mm x 150mm x 15mm.
I am looking forward to seeing the completed room!
About filling, heating and recirculating systems (very common in japanese households) we cannot supply it as we would not be able to do the maintenance/send spare parts. So again, you will have to have a custom made one. You can set up very easily a system with solenoid valves and magnet switches or software controlled (LAN) automation.
About the longevity: we treat the tubs with a water repellent full penetration product which add to the natural hinoki performance against rot and mold. Said so, I think that you should consider a life-span of 10-15 years for a tub used outdoors.
We are looking forward to working with you and remain at your disposal for any problem/question.
This is the second ofuro we are shipping to South Africa in 2016!
In both cases we were in touch with the clients, architects and interior designers for over a year but it was worth it! Take a look also at the pictures of the manufacture phases:
part 1 – part 2 – part3
Here is the photo of the back side.
We created a new type of overflow cut: it is tuck in the back towards the wall and is drawing the water to a gutter running along the wall.
The spout cover is openable for controlling the built in tap. Not a high tech solution but very practical!
Here is the layout of the whole composition including a duck-board and bench cut with an angle to match the corner of the bathroom. I am looking forward to seeing the completed space!
Here are the specs of the project:
Material: Asnaro wood AB grade bathtub (quarter sawn) t42mm
Size: L1500mm x W750 x H670mm (ext. dim.) – depth 543mm
Details: copper apron, wood dowels. Iron brand at front side top-right
Option: overflow top cut
Accessories:
* Ledge and filler: W165 x L1500 x H670) assembly on site
* Bench: W 454/367 x D 515 x H 450mm
* Duckboard: W 521/454 x D 400 x H 55mm
* Asnaro wood ledge mounted spout D with faucet
This is sequel of the manufacture of the tub for South Africa.
for those who missed it check in a separate window part 1 – part 2
So, the planks have been laminated and the edges trimmed (you can see on the wall a plank before being rectified)
The tongue and grove joint is hand made with a handsaw and chisel. To see the process and understand the way the japanese ofuro water-tightness is assured, refer to the second video from the top in our media section
3 faces have been assembled together. Now is time to insert the bottom plank. Finally, the last wall will be hand-planed on both sides before being set in place and close the circle.
You can see here the geometry of the traditional “Tjoint”
To tighten up the faces, we use long stainless steel bolts. The head of the bolts is capped with round wooden dowels (for a natural look) or copper plates (the traditional detail of the Edo area, borrowed from the ship building practices).
