This tub was built for a resort villa in hawaii.
It is going to be installed in ground and was built with slanted sides so that the top 20cm will be visible with its elegant proportions and angle.
The external sizes are L1956mm x W812mm x H730mm and are realized with extra thick planks to allow the sharp corner detail (without skirt)
These 2 tubs were built for a resort project in the caribbean.
The sizes are very generous (1802 x 855 x 732 mm depth) and are realized with fine knotless asnaro wood. The tubs are equipped with an internal seat which is removable.
The set is completed with a step/bench and a narrow pitched marine style duckboard.
For this project we implemented a detail that is often requested: a western style overflow drain (See pictures below.) Until now we always recommended alternative solutions because there are no standard fittings that mount on the (thick) board of a wooden tub.
Also, normal overflow pipes are small and provoke a suction noise which disrupt the atmospere of a relaxing jpanaee bath!
But now we have a satisfactory solution both from the aesthetic and functional point of wiew. Feel free to ask in detail.
Here we are!
Our carpenter worked thru the weekend and the tub is almost complete.
You can see the finished product in the “gallery” pages.
We used a thick wall construction to keep the design of the tub as simple as possible, without using a top border nor skirted joints.
The tub walls are now getting ready.
This is the preparation phase which requires most of the time.
All wood is cut and planed by hand.
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Here is another phase of the bathtub construction.
The short and long sides are being laminated.
Next, we will prepare the bottom plank and proceed to assemble it together.
Otanoshimi ni mattete kudasai ne!
We started the construction of a nice sloped edge tub.
In this case we will document the construction process.
Watch out for updates!
These are some pictures kindly participated by a client and friend who owns a large knotty hinoki tub. He refurbished a country house in central Italy and is the lucky owner of this unique bath house…
how can I properly comment these pictures?
I come up with this haiku (short japanese poem):
samui fuyu ni / kokoro atatameru / kimi no aijo
in the cold winter / warming up my heart / your friendship
In these pictures it is easy to understand how the side walls of a hinoki tub are laminated.
First the material is assorted so that knots or other imperfections get discarded and of course, so that the total width of the planks is equal on the four sides of the tub. This is also a way to optimize the use of the material and avoid loss.
The wood is hand sawn by overlapping 2 planks so that with one single cut two perfecly matching planks are cut.
The pictures show the phase when the planks are drilled and connected with woodes plugs (dabo). The planks are joined with a waterproof bond and kept in the press overnight.
The corner of the tubs are realized with a more complex joint which is sealed by the insertion of hinoki wood bark which acts as a kind of natural gasket. Moreover, this bark has excellent fungicidal property and prevents mold stains in the most vulnerable point (the corners).
What am I doing here!?
Actually, today we showed our material and products to a perspective customer from Germany who is visiting Japan.
It is always a pleasure to have a tea together and exchange thoughts with fellow westerners who share with us passion for japan and fine hand crafts.
We looked at the plans and after some talking, we felt it might be easier just to try one tub, as you would do with a pair of boots. We had an “outlet” tub and the client could enter and get a more direct idea of the size and of the feeling of the tub.
Even a smaller tub seems spacious and comfortable when you try it. No big surprise, the sizes we were recommending actually did fit perfect, anyway after trying the tub the client could feel reassured and move forward without worry.
If you visit Japan, drop by for a tub fitting (if you let us the time we can pick you up at JR Maihama station).
Well, we wanted to show you how it works so I found the good excuse to enter the tub myself…