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outlet round tub – sold out!

sorry, sold out!

This gorgeous barrel type tub was ordered by an architecture office.
Apparently the project was modified and they will have to reorder another tub with different dimensions.
For this reason, the client asked me to place the tub in the outlet corner at a discounted price. The tub is brand new, unused and ready for shipment!

The price is 450,000 JPY including the plywood box used for the freight.
Shipment cost is excluded and depends on the location.
Indicatively, air shipment to europe will be around 160,000 JPY.

But let`s go back to this very stilish yet primitive and powerful barrel type tub.
Here are the specs:
material: japanese Knotless hinoki wood round shape bathtub
sizes: diam 900mm x H740mm (int. depth 630mm)
details: stainless steel band. Iron brand at front center

The iron brand will be applied before shipment as the combined effect of the “burn” of the iron brand and the concentrated hinoki aromatic atmosphere inside the cellophane wrap may cause the wood around the brand to blur.

Custom kado-maru for Singapore

An architect from Singapore contacted us for this project.
It is a nice kado-maru model with custom sizes and internal seat.

The order process was very smooth. For the shipping, we proposed to use DHL as the new services price-list is very competitive and allows us to use a cardboard for the packaging, thus saving additionally on the shipping costs altogether.

The main note about this tub is that the client absolutely wanted it in hinoki wood, although usually we employ sawara for this type of barrel construction models.
Sawara is easier to work in curved elements and the bands make a better grip into the softer wood, but … we will make that extra step if we can satisfy the client`s wishes!

Here are the specs:
Model/material: Japanese Knotless Hinoki “Oke” bathtub
Sizes: L1100mm x W630mm x 740mm (620mm deep)
Options: Hinoki wood internal seat W400mm
Accessories: Hinoki wood step stool W400mm x D320mm x H300mm

Knotty tub for Germany

I have been contacted in 2014 for the tub for a new construction house.
The client is an architect who is building her own house and as a professional she had a perfect understanding of the material, site preparation (gradients, waterproofing) and details.

She choose the oil finish for the apron and was concerned that the difference of color may not look good, so she considered having the front face of the tub treated with natural oil as well. It is a very good insight, but finally we went on with our standard detail for two reasons:

1) if we were to apply the oil on the front side, to keep the system balanced and prevent internal stresses/distorions, we would have to treat the 4 sides.
This should be relatively safe, but to be honest, we never did until now and would prefer to apply the oil only on the cross section of the bottom plank.

2) The bottom plank cross section looks of a darker color when treated with oil. But this is mainly an effect due to the camera lenses. It is not so evident in reality

The tub uses beautiful knotty planks with their natural pattern.
Here are the specs:
Material: Japanese Hinoki wood K grade (knotty)
Sizes: L1300mm x W750mm x 660mm (550mm deep)
Features: Natural oil finish, Wooden dowels, Iron brand at front top-right

8 tubs on the roof

Well, there are some moments in life that make you feel proud.
I could not contain my emotions when I saw the pictures of the tubs on the roof top overlooking the ocean…

The carpenters went on site to verify that the tubs were installed properly and that the maintenance instructions were implemented correctly.
Too bad I could not make it… but I will definitely go when the project is 100% completed to enjoy the view … and the hot water!

Each tub is comfortable for 6 people.
Material: japanese knotless sawara wood.
Size: Dia 2000mm x H730mm (600mm deep)
Option: internal seat

Each tub is equipped with a step-bench in asnaro wood W600 D320 H300mm
and a floor mounted Spout in asnaro wood (E type)

stress relieving tub for Minneapolis

This minimal tub is dedicated to a very kind client and her family of Japan lovers.
Apparently, she and her husband have stressful jobs and commute for more than 2 hours everyday.
They recently made a trip to Japan: “We felt physically, mentally and emotionally so much better after soaking every day while in Japan.
We very much want to improve our lives by doing this at home – to be surrounded by your natural and beautiful wood and aroma.”

The tub specs are as follows:
internal dimensions: Dia 767 x Depth 630mm
external dimensions: Dia817 x H740mm

As per the client`s request, here are some photos of the tub being constructed with passion and dedication.
The individual planks are cut and planed. Then, they are assembled in an approximate shape, pulled together and finished to create a perfect barrel.

A craftsman used to build rectangular tubs would not succeed in creating a round one: you need maybe less precision but more sense of balance.
Actually he keeps saying: do not trust the measure tape, trust your feelings!

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.

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!

electric re-heat systems

Do you know of any electric re-heat systems for your soaking tubs?

Thank you for your interest in our japanese bathtubs.
You should use equipment available in your area.
I would recommend to contact a SPA equipment dealer/installer near you.
An ofuro can be treated as a regular spa/hot tub.
The equipment sizing will depend on the capacity of the tub.
I found this compact heater without tank (post-heating).
http://www.pahlen.com/our-products/heating-electric-heaters/electric-swimming-pool-spa-heater.html
Of course it should be coupled with a small pump for recirculation and with a cartridge filter if you wish.
Since ofuros are made of solid wood, you can open holes for inlet/outlet almost everywhere.
Please let me know of any other question/problem.
Best regards,

hydroterapy and overflow

Hi,
I just had a meeting with the water filtration/circulation technician.
1. Do you recommend to install hydrotherapy jets with 6-persons hinoki tub?
2. How do you suggest we deal with the overflow?

1)As you know, japanese onsen are usually not equipped with jets.
Often there are some shallow “bed type” jacuzzi tubs for individual use.
Some people may feel that japanese bathing has a precise ritual and aesthetics and does need the bubbles. Others may appreciate the jets as an upgraded and more luxurious japanese tub.
This choice depends on your clientele and on the services that you offer in your establishment.
If you decide to use jets, there is no incompatibility with wooden tubs. Anyway we would recommend you to ship us the nozzles so we can seamlessly embed them in the locations as per your instructions.
Many small air outlets on the bottom of the tub (air-blower) are not recommended as they weaken the structure of the tub.
2) Overflow: of course the whole floor will be waterproof and with a floor drain.
I suggest 3 options:
a) to have a gutter 10mm deep x 100mm wide all around the tub with a floor drain inside
b) to provide the tub with a top overflow cut and direct the water towards a side of the tub equipped with a floor drain
(see example here: https://www.bartokdesign.com/japan/7-custom_ofuro/ofuro_for_new_zealand.php)
c) to insert the tub into a recessed floor area equipped with the drain. The water can be recessed just 10cm to cover the bottom apron or can be recessed up to the top border, it depends on your layout.
(see example here: https://www.bartokdesign.com/japan/0-blog_news/hinoki_slanted_bathtubs_in_res.php)

air and water jets for ofuro

We are an architectural firm in New York City and currently working on a project for a client in Connecticut. The client likes your hinoki tubs. Are these tubs only available as soaking tubs, or is it possible to build them with air or water jets?

Thank you for your interest in our hinoki products.
The tubs are made in japan using the traditional Edo carpentry technique.
They can be converted to jacuzzis but we cannot supply this equipment from here.
It is better and cheaper to do it on site (all the best spa equipment is american, such as Pentair, Waterways, Hayward, Jandy etc.)
In this way there is no problem for maintenance/replacement parts. Please try to contact a local pool/spa equipment supplier and ask for their advice.

Basically our tubs are made in solid wood and is very easy to open holes anywhere is needed to apply the jets.

We are looking forward to working with you and remain at your disposal for any question.