Blog | Bartok design Co.

Another sketch up model!

london-tub-cg1

Yes, we did it again! (this time thanks to the generosity of a client)
Here is another ofuro you can use in sketch-up.

This solution consists of the tub buried behind a ledge, so you can see only the inside and the beefed up kamachi border.

The sketch up model is not so detailed so if you explode the parts or check it in the hidden areas inside the ditch you will probably not find what you are looking for: anyway it is great for a presentation or just to rotate it in perspective view and get a feeling of the space.

Go ahead and download the :
japanese ofuro build in with wide kamachi border
london-tub-cg2
https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/search/models?q=bartokdesign

testimonial from Sidney

Hi Iacopo,
Bathtub cleared customs and quarantine last Thursday and we have been loving the bath ever since. It’s gorgeous 🙂
We just love it and the whole family uses it including my very tall partner !!
It’s beautifully made and makes our bathroom look fantastic.
Thankyou for your hardwork and craftsmanship it will be appreciated by our family for a VERY long time.
Of course you can publish my email in your testimonial corner 🙂
apologies for the photo we are still renovating our bathroom and are in the process of replacing the toilet and the sink ! but the bath still makes our bathroom look good…lol
thanks again,

refinishing the tub

Just some general advice please – the tub is looking tired and I was considering sanding it to bring back some luster to the wood.
I was planning on using an orbital sander and wooden sanding block. I have not oiled the tub and is this something I should be doing at least on the outside?
If so, what oil do you recommend?

I recommend to let the tub dry and sand with medium and fine grit.
Then, we recommend the application of a water-repellent which is colorless, matte finish and will not block the wood aroma.
It is a non-coating treatment and penetrates in the wood fibers letting it breath (like “goretex” for fabric…).
We recommend to finish the Hinoki tub with water repellent
KIHADAICHIBAN (preservative agent for wood) :

a) 7,000. JPY / 1L + 4,500. JPY (Packaging + EMS) + Paypal fee = 12,000 JPY
Please let me know.
Best regards,
iacopo torrini

slanted ofuro 3D

Is the ofuro free standing?
Or is it built into a ledge?
Since it has a slanted edge, do you see it from outside?

We had problems explaining the image to the client so we resorted to sketchup and everything was easy!

It is drafted quite roughly, but if you want you can download the model below from the sketchup warehouse.
We also have another couple of models in the warehouse. Search with “bartok” as keyword, or download from this page: https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/search/models?q=bartokdesign

161019-ofuro-3D-side

161019-ofuro-3D-top

161019-ofuro-3D-front

2 times water repellent?

Is the product that you use to make the wood water-repellant available to purchase for continuing the practice – or is it a one-time product (only to be applied when the tub is new) ?

The water repellent “Kihada ichi-ban” this is used only to finish the new product. Since it penetrates inside the wood fibers it would not be absorbed if applied multiple times.

step/bench for ofuro

Do you have a photo of the step/bench as it relates to the tub?

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

ofuro for the elderly

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.
elderly3
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.
elderly2
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.
elderly1
This thinking is recommended in general while it is not really necessary for an adult/fit person.

approx cost for sushi counter

Hello,
I am interested in a custom hinoki sushi bar counter ( 21’x2′) for a restaurant. I would like to find out a rough estimate (cost of the item as well as shipping, tax, etc). Please let me know.
Thank you!

Thank you for your inquiry!
Are you looking for a counter in solid lumber or veneered?
Let me give you a rough idea about the 2 options.
1) solid counter (imagine a sushi bar in Tokyo Ginza…):
it is difficult to find lumber to match exactly the request.
You would have to cut the length or the width which is a waste.
Usually designers look for a lumber of a size close to the request and then match the design of the shop.
For your reference a lumber 20 Ft. long would be around 8-10 million jpy .

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.

“longed for” ofuro to australia

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!

flooring for Singapore house

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.
IMGP9158
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)
IMGP9155
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.
IMGP9153
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!
IMGP9150

Search

Categories