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twin tubs for malaysia

Here are two squarish hinoki bathtubs ordered thru an architecture office in Malaysia.
They will be installed is similar condo units, behind a large glass partition separating the toilet/lavatory area from the large shower/bath area.

The thin kamachi border we used in this case has the advantage that it can be grabbed easily when entering and especially egressing the tub

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Here are the specs for the tubs;
* japanese Knotless hinoki wood bathtub
* sizes: L1100mm x W1000mm x H750mm (ext. dim.) 640mm(deep)
* details: copper apron, wooden dowels. Iron brand at front top-right
* option: overflow socket with flexible pipe, internal seat W350mm
* accessories: Hinoki wood wall mounted spout A
The side behind the bench is slightly slanted.

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to the left: the back of the tub with western type overflow socket.
to the right: overflow with flexible pipe installed. It should be faced towards a wall or enclosed in a ledge. (Often, clients provide their one metal pipe and leave it exposed)

lamination of planks

There is often a misunderstanding about what japanese call “hagi-zai” (laminated material)

The english term “laminated wood” includes rotary cut veneer lamination (plywood) and square rods finger joined (glulam).
We have the image of the laminated wood as an engineered material, sturdy but unequivocally man-made and thus not natural.

On the other hand hagi-zai involves joining wide planks side by side with the aid of full penetration dowels. We try to match the vein and if the situation allows it, the joint is almost invisible. (in case of a tub we have to give priority to balancing the warping and thus it is almost inpossible to make an invisible joint in this case)

The lumber is equalized with rotary saw and electric planer

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Here is the solid lumber with thru holes ready for joining.

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Glue is applied inside the holes

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Long dowels are hammered inside to connect all the planks together

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Here is the finished “hagi-zai”. At this point it is straightened and prepared for the “shiguchi” = wood joints. (To create a box we use mostly dove tail joints.) Finally the panel are assembled to create the tub and hand planed.

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asnaro tub for a Singapore terrace house

The client is renovating a two-story terrace house in Singapore and choose a japanese wooden bathtub for himself and his family.
We hope they can enjoy it everyday!
The tub has copper plates joints both at the front and back (option.)
Here are the main specs:
material: knotless asnaro wood (AB grade)
sizes: L1180mm x W750mm x H690mm (ext. dim.) 580mm(deep)
details: copper apron, copper plate joints. Iron brand at front top-right.
options: removable internal seat (W350mm)
accessories: Asnaro wood wall mounted spout A
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The drain fitting is not installed and we supplied it separately.
(standard-long type socket / rubber plug)
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The spout can be opened easily for maintenance and cleaning.
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the cheap yen may bring an ofuro to your home…

The autumn brought a weak yen both against the dollar and the euro.
This means it is a good timing to purchase japanese goods, especially when they are priced in yen.
This post is not to push the back of our readers and convince them to buy an ofuro.
In particular now, it is a very busy period and we have a 45-60 days lead time for the production.

The reason for this post is that I know that japanese hinoki tubs are expensive, and remain a dream for many. Well, this may be an opportunity to bring home a japanese product with 15% discount compared to 2 months ago: so if you are considering buying and ofuro, I friendly recommend you to do it now.

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I am not a financial analyst, but considering that countries like China and Russia are dumping federal bonds, and the saudis do not seem so clung to the petrodollar anymore, I feel that the strength of the dollar may be a flash in the pan…

I welcome all your questions and comments.

All the Best//

iacopo torrini

fashionable hinoki in London

We made this beautiful hinoki tub for a famous fashion designer.

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The shape is very minimal, with L shaped corners. The wood is natural look knotty hinoki.
And here comes the stroke of genius of the architect: they supplied a polished brass drain plug. As you can see, the result is refined and bold, transgressive and classical at the same time.

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For an easier installation, we recessed the socket nut on the back of the tub to leave the threaded section as long as possible.

We also supplied a coupling ring to connect it to the drain pipe on site.

Here are the tub main information:
material: japanese Knotty (plank cut) Kiso Hinoki wood bathtub
size: L1400mm x W750mm x H680mm (ext. dim.) 580mm(deep)
details: 42mm thick boards, wooden dowels, apron w/ natural oil finish.
The ofuro is equipped with custom step stool in knotless hinoki wood, 450 x 220 x 400H

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The architect also asked us to apply the iron brand on the bottom. He wanted to keep the look as minimal as possible, but the brand is important, even if it is not visible.
We also supplied a custom stool, with a cut on top for an easier grab and to drain the left over water.

round tub for Long Island

This barrel type bathtub is so bold and well proportioned.I am dying to see the pictures of the actual installation!

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The ordering process was very smooth. We sent some wood samples for approval and the architect was happy with the “sawara cypress” refined tanned look. Anyway this wood is not suitable to build a duckboard, so the local carpenter will provide for it.

This tub is deeper than normal as the client is very tall.
Here are the specs:
material: japanese Knotless (quartersawn) Sawara cypress wood bathtub
size: Dia 1220mm x H958mm (external dimensions), 838mm(deep)
details: barrel construction, stainless steel bands.
The ofuro is equipped with an internal bench around half of the perimeter.

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The bench is also useful an aid to step inside.

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58 thousand arigatou!

Our indiegogo campaign just ended.
Thanks your help and efforts, the pocket-onsen was shared on facebook 419 times and retweeted 44 times. It was featured on the Gadget flow, Rocketnews and several local newspapers.
The financial result was a collection of 2,472 US$ (about 8% of the target 30,000 US$)
Anyway, I am developing the product and will deliver the kits around dec. 15.
(If somebody is interested in a “pocket-onsen” as an original Christmas present, it is available for purchase in the shop section of this site.)

What has been really amazing about this campaign is the amount of insight, passionate advice that you gave me. Starting with the naming, the content of the kit, the graphics, the packaging! The pocket-onsen was really “crowd nurtured” and this has been a mind sizzling experience. I am really grateful for it.


140828-new-product-opinion poll – survey page


140828-new-product-opinion poll results page


140831-indiegogo-cover page opinion poll – survey page


140831-indiegogo-cover page opinion poll results page


140907-hinoki-oil-lebels – survey page


140907-hinoki-oil-lebels – results page

I am now in contact with some hotels and hotel chains who are interested in selling it in the spa gift shop or offering it as a novelty in their higher rank rooms. There are several ryokan style hotels and japanese themed hot springs around the world and if you have some connection I would appreciate if you can spread the word about the pocket-onsen.

I am looking forward to the developments of the relation we are building together.
I am always available for chatting about new ideas and projects, please contact me by email at japan@bartokdesign.com

All the Best//

iacopo torrini


Please take a look here for the campaign page: http://www.igg.me/at/pocket-onsen

[pocket onsen] with “young trees” hinoki aroma oil

This is a more economic version of the [pocket onsen] using the normal hinoki oil.
This does not mean it is inferior, aroma is really a matter of personal taste!
The use is very simple!
Just pour few drops of the “Japanese Cypress – hinoki aroma oil” included in the kit on the orbs and place them in the hot water.
You can use the orbs over and over again.
Since they are only 3, you can easily store them on a shelf in your bathoom.

Choose the pouch color according to the sample below:
(see a larger image in the aroma oils page)
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The pocket onsen comes in a high quality paulownia wooden box with the Bartok iron brand. Ideal for a gift!

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Bartok design Japan Co. is member of:
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shop page →

[pocket onsen] with “Special reserve hinoki aroma oil”

This idea would enable to enjoy the relaxing properties and atmosphere of a japanese bath even people who do not own a wooden bathtub.
(After trying it, If you like the experience you can get the real thing …!)

The use is very simple!
Just pour few drops of the “Special reserve hinoki aroma oil” included in the kit on the orbs and place them in the hot water.
You can use the orbs over and over again.
Since they are only 3, you can easily store them on a shelf in your bathoom.
This project was developed in indiegogo, you can google for “pocket onsen” to find out about the process.
Choose the pouch color according to the sample below:
choose-pocket-color.jpg
The pocket onsen comes in a high quality paulownia wooden box with the Bartok iron brand. Ideal for a gift!

pocket-onsen-reserve.jpg

Bartok design Japan Co. is member of:
naha-logo.png


shop page →

a little more patience…

Update a bout the indiegogo campaign: I am brushing up the details and plan to open the doors between 18:00 and 20:00 Japan time.
Keep an eye on this post if you do not want to miss the early bird special package!

UPDATE OF 19:55: Well, we are almost there but still need few minutes.
I will send the link to the Indiegogo campaign to our mailing list @ 20:30 and will post it to this blog @ 21:00 JST.

See you in one hour!

UPDATE OF 21:00:
Sorry for the wait, our indiegogo campaign just started!
http://www.igg.me/at/pocket-onsen

Please follow the link above to know more about our new 250 years old “special reserve hinoki aroma oil” and the “pocket onsen” kit to enjoy the japanese bath experience from your home.

As usual, I am eager to hear your feedback, so please let me know your opinion by email or thru the comments section of Indiegogo.

I appreciate all your effort to spread the word about the campaign!
All the Best//

iacopo


Watch the video:

This explains how the oil is made:

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