Blog

oval tubs for Oregon

oval ofuro

Here are twin oval-barrel shaped hinoki tubs – 1520 x 670 x H710mm (ext. dimensions).
We used stainless steel bands to contain the water pressure. The client at first required copper bands, but it would be too weak so we proposed stainless braided wire which is solid and not too difficult to assemble. We reached the compromise with stainless steel bands: the look is very nice, but – boy – they had to be slowly hammered one by one from the bottom up and it took forever!

Another peculiarity of these tubs is that the bond for laminating vertical planks was replaced with 100% natural rice starch. See the blog for more details ->
https://www.bartokdesign.com//0-blog_news/natural-tub-oregon-2.php

Central Italy: hot water in the tub II

Let me report the wise comment of our client (and friend):
“I am confirmed in the belief that Japanese were thousands of years ahead of us westerners: in the age when we were using perfumes to hide our odors and (in the rare occasions we were washing), we were using underwears and busts to hide our body, japanese were…

…bathing.

Naked. Alone or in good company. Clean in the mind and in the body.”
Also in this case, I cannot but agree…!

Central Italy: hot water in the tub I

These pictures seem to have been taken from Kyoto or Nara…

(It is actually from a rural stone-masonry lovely house in the beautiful Appennine mountains.) I will skip any comment, it would fade anyway in the emotions that come out from the images…

hinoki tub for Texas

Japanese bathing

This tub (size:L1000mm x W1040mm x H985mm) is in quarter-sawn hinoki-knotless grade and has one internal seat.
The bathtub is also equipped with a spout which will be mounted recessed in the wall.
The area of installation did not allow a longer tub, so it was opted for a short but wide and roomy shape. In this conditions, it is comfortable to take a bath from a sitting position, hence the internal bench. Additionally, the tub is deeper than standard, so it is possible to enjoy the hot water up to your shoulders even while sitting on the bench.
(Be aware that you will need over 200 gallons to fill up the tub…!)

At last, note the custom bench/step outside of the tub matching the width. This can be used as a step to enter the deep tub at ease. Also, we recommend to use it as a bench for relaxing before and after the bath.

soaking tub

hinoki tub for Switzerland

Japanese bath

This tub was coordinated by a very talented and professional architecture office in Switzerland. When we saw the drawings, there was just nothing to add or modify and we could start manufacture immediately.

Without being huge, this tub has majestic proportions and we could keep the design simple by using a 50mm extra thick plank for the front instead of an otherwise neccessary top frame border.
The tub is in knotless quarter cut hinoki (sizes L1570mm x W900mm x H685mm) and has an internal bench. Note also the copper apron detail at front which furnishes extra protection to the head of the bottom planks, and is almost completely hidden by the floor duckboards.

soaking tub

new product: hiba oil

We always receive the same question:

Q. How should I maintain/clean the tub?

The answer is always:

Ensure good ventilation in the bathrom.
You may wipe the tub dry after use if you want.
Never use soap or detergent to clean the tub.
Do nothing, just enjoy the tub.
If you find some stains you may remove them with alcohol or other stain remover – only applied on the spot – rub gently and rinse thoroughly.

The tub needs love and care more than maintenance.
If you use it often (preferably daily), keep an eye on the hygrometer and take care of small stains as soon as you spot them, you tub will have a long and happy life.

Anyway, our clients feel this is not enough. They want to do something. They want to be proactive and show concretely their affection for the tub.

Over the years we tried vegetable base detergents, non-oil oils and ecologic cleaners.
They were sticky or just meaningless and we continued to recommend just – pure love – to take care of the tub.

But yes, we finally found a product we can recommend for cleaning and rehidratating the wood. It is an oil base product from the same line as the ones used for aromatherapy.

See our product page for specific information and use instructions.

Japanese people do not use hiba oil for clenaning wooden bathtubs but it has amazing applications in our everyday life. Here below are some detailed information about Hiba oil:

FIELDS OF USE

MEDICAL:
Hiba oil is used to prevent nosocomial infections, especially those caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
It is also used to treat eczema (atopic dermatitis).
SANITARY:
Hiba oil is used　together with Squalane (a natural moisturizing factor) in soap and shampoos particularly indicated for delicate skins.
Hiba water (a byproduct of the distillation of hiba oil) is used as a fragrance in bathing salts.
AGRICULTURE:
Hiba oil is used to prevent plant diseases originated by mold (wood moulder disease, root rot disease etc.).
In apiculture is used with good reasult to prevent and fight chalk disease (Ascospharera apis)
FOOD PRESERVATION:
Hiba oil is used for conservation of fresh (not frozen) melon, strawberry, mushrooms.
It is also used as a natural flavouring agent for candies and other foods.

PROPERTIES

BACTERICIDAL:
It prevents conditions for the development of mold and fungi.
Hiba oil has a wide spectrum of action against many different families of bacteria and is especially effective to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
MIND STABILITY:
Hiba oil has a proven relaxative qualities. Stress relief has been laboratory tested on Guinea pigs.
INSECTICIDE:
Hiba oil has an insecticidal action against thermites and cockroaches. It is also used as an insect repellent against fleas and mites.
DEODORANT:
Hiba oil smoothes strong smells.
It is specially effective against smells originated by body activity (ammonia, aminoacid base).

Hinoki tub for North Carolina

ofuro

One nice thing about dealing with hinoki tubs is that they allow us to meet nice people!
Be they professionals, musicians, journalists or slow chefs, they are all wonderful people.
This was definately the case, and the preliminary phase was animated but surprisingly smooth. The tub was first switched to a different wall, rotated, adjusted.
Everything in with few, energic movements as an experienced cook would sautee eggplants and zucchini.
The tub L1200mm x W800mm x H660mm is in quarter-sawn hinoki – knotless grade and has a top border cut to redirect the overflow towards the adjoining shower.

wood tub

reference from belgium

I am happy with the tub and the service at your end.
What does not work well however is the transportation. I think that if you could sort out deliveries to Europe you would provide a much better service. I had to deal with customs authorities and a very difficult/unreasonable
transport company (which I assume is the one you used) and wait for weeks when the tub was already in Rotterdam.
There must be a simpler way to offer to the clients, e.g. DHL or another courier that would take care of all the formalities themselves and would then invoice the customer.
Just a friendly suggestion.
Kind regards
K F

Reply:
Thank you for your comment and friendly suggestion.
I am really sorry you had so much trouble with the delivery.
We use two couriers: YUSEN (japanese) and H&Friends (Korean).
Their service and fare vary considerably depending if they have a direct branch in the destination country or not.
We always try to choose taking in consideration this issue.
Both forwarders do not have a branch in Holland and I think that the delay was caused by bad communication between the customs agent and the shipper and between them and the client (you).
Unfortunately we cannot take in consideration DHL because it is too expensive.
In the past we were taking care of the customs formalities as well, but the local costs vary and are quite unpredictable.
We were ending up in overbilling some clients (we were sending a reimbursement) or in losing money (and not being reimbursed).
So we decided to use the formula DDU. (Delivered, duties unpaied).
I know it is an additional issue for the customer to take care of, but could not expect it would be so unconvenient like in your case.
Again we sincerely apologise for the trouble and will continue to look for better options for the shipping.
With Best Regards,
Iacopo Torrini

straight asnaro tub in stock (sold out)

* * * Sorry, sold out! * * *

After the success of the first outlet tub here we are back by popular request!
This immaculate straight (knotless) japanese tub has been in our showroom for a year and have been wrapped in poliethlen sheeet. It is now on sale at a discounted price for showroom renewal!
Please find below a quote for a L1200mm x W700mm x H680mm (external
dimensions) 605mm(depth) knotless natural Asnaro bathtub.
(See enclosed pictures and pdf drawing)
Click the thumbs below for a larger image.

1) Asnaro hinoki AB grade tub (quarter sawn) : 3400 US$
2) Packaging: 1350x850x880 wood box: 340 US$
3) Transport: I will ask for a quote for delivery at your door. Please specify also if you are in a hurry (air freight) or you can wait at least 30 days (ocean freight)
We will need the dull delivery address to obtain a quote from the forwarding company.
Notes:
The plank joints are realized with dowels, the bottom plank head is protected by a copper plate (apron)
Of course, we can ship world-wide.
Payment conditions: 100% prepaid
We hope you will appreciate this offer and welcome any question you may have.

hinoki tub for manhattan

The picture does not fully convey the beauty and peculiarity of this tub!
The request was a large tub L1800mm x W1000mm x H690mm (depth=600mm) but with the simplest – minimal detailing.

We had to employ a thick top border frame (100x60mm!) but turned it in a simple line with the following concept:
– Two sides were built fully as the top beam border (60mm thick)
– as the tub is set against a free standing ledge with the faucet, in this case the short faces become the main side.

Other accessories include an japanese style tub cover and an outside bench in hinoki wood which can be used both as a step and for relaxing after the bath.

The finishing is done in line with the natural/minimalist concept of the architect: almost invisible wood dowels for the joints and natural oil to seal and protect the bottom plank
and base area from humidity.