This nice couple based in the USA, purchased a K-grade hinoki ofuro from us in 2005. Now, they decided to order wide hinoki planks – all heartwood to clad the ceiling and further upgrade their lovely bathroom.
The ofuro really looks brand new after 17 years, thanks for taking good care of it! I hope the natural feel of the ceiling and added hinoki fregrance can bring you happiness for the next 16 years to come!
Message from the client:
Iacopo – your tub and wainscotting looks wonderful I am sending you 10 pictures. Please feel free to use whatever works best for you All the best M.
I love the semi outdoors / semi indoors setting！ Too bad you can only do if you live in the tropics…😢
Be sure to click the PLAY button in the video below to see the motorized door in action＼(^o^)／
Message from the client:
Iacopo San, It is finished and I can start enjoying my blue lotus Spa Ofuro and I love it! I give you some photos and videos for your magazine, Kind regards,
Behind the curtains! Incredible scoop! This is actually the tub that will be displayed at the Kominka summit. The absolute protagonist at the Bartok design booth!
Sawara does not have the glamour of hinoki but is definitely the perfect choice to be installed in a kominka – or to bring the wabi-sabi and homey, understated atmosphere of a kominka to your home!
I am keeping these comments light because you will have the possibility to view it during the zoom-LIVE on April 22-24
For specs and sizes, check the details below but let me anticipate that is one of the most popular sizes for a compact ofuro.
UPDATE: the data connection is very bad 💦 I am not sure I will be able to do the live streaming… Please check the facebook page for the last minute updates: https://www.facebook.com/itorrini
in the morning from 8:00 to 9:00 JST I will try to make a guided tour of some old japanese houses in the area.
As anticipated last month, our participation at the Kominka Summit is confirmed! And even more amazingly: here is a list of the other companies that will exhibit at the Minka mall !!
But Kominka Summit 2022 is not only the Minka mall exhibition. If the management approves, I will try to sneak into the seminar room and bring you to your homes the wisdom of our top-batters:
Keynote speaker for the event is author and lifelong minka and inaka advocate Alex Kerr, whose 300-year-old minka in the Iya Valley, Chiiori, is one of the best-known in all of Japan.
Other speakers include Azby Brown, acclaimed author of seminal books including The Genius of Japanese Carpentry and Lessons in Living Green from Traditional Japan; traditional plasterer Kyle Holzhueter (the first westerner to pass the level one Japanese National Plastering Exam); traditional architects Jonathan Stollenmeyer and partner Kohei Yamamoto (1st class licensed architect and carpenter); organic farmer and educator Chuck Keyser; and Jaya Thursfield, whose YouTube channel (under the name “Tokyo Llama”) documents his traditional home’s renovation and has more than 15 million views.
(If I cannot sneak in, I will try to interview them after the events)
I am planning to stay connected with zoom and facebook-live during the event and provide a virtual tour to all of you who cannot participate in person.
Topic: kominka summit 2022 through iacopo`s eyes Time: Apr 22, 2022 03:00 PM Osaka, Sapporo, Tokyo Join Zoom Meeting
one of the most simple concepts yet more difficult concepts to grasp about japanese tubs is that you do not really need to worry about the plumbing.
The best configuration is to have the ofuro simply sitting on a waterproof floor, sloped towards a floor drain and just let it drain onto the floor, without a fixed piped connection. Think of the ofuro as a large bassinette.
Merits:
1. you do not need to raise the ofuro and create a space below it to mount the pipe, the syphon etc. 2. it is easy to move the ofuro over for cleaning and maintenance. 3. you can flip orientation or position so it looks at the sunrise at sunrise and sunset at sunset! 4. you can even move the ofuro to the terrace/garden and fill it up with a hose or other fun things like that. 5. you can let the ofuro overflow from the top rim, as in a japanese hot spring, giving a sense of abundance and infinity.
Objections & Counter-arguments:
6. the drain is requested for filing to the building department
I understand that regulations may have scarce flexibility. That said, custom-made wooden tubs are not certified sanitary equipment (NSF, UL, CSA, ETL etc…) anyway. An ofuro is a soaking tub therefore is a fitness/well-being equipment like a home sauna or a tanning bed. Be creative, think out of the box. Your shower is a piece of sanitary equipment, your ofuro is not.
That said, if you really really want to provide a hard connection to a drain pipe: it is possible. We can provide an adapter with a female socket dia 50mm (1 1/2″) with G thread. Please check this page for further details: https://bartokdesign.com/5-tub_details/hinoki-tub-drain_and_waterproofing and do not forget to click on the links to open the drawing and photos.
7. We need a drain to connect to the overflow
Again, if you have a wet room, you do not really need an overflow. Think again about it! An overflow is mounted some 50mm or more (if the ofuro has a top frame) under the top rim. This means that you are losing 50mm or more of depth. Also you cannot enjoy the feeling of the “vanishing edge” and the relaxing sound of water gently overflowing from the top. Another problem with the overflow is that you will need a ledge or lining to hide the corrugated pipe of the overflow. See the following pages to see examples:
That said, if you really-really need an overflow connection, we can either install the plastic hose (as per photo on the right) or you can ship us your bespoke fitting.
Note that most standard fittings do not work on an ofuro because the wall thickness (33~42mm or more) is thicker than commercial acryl/FRP bathtubs.
8. We cannot install a wetroom
In some cases, we see ofuros are installed in bedrooms, or in situations where is not possible to recess or built-up a wetroom curb. Actually, even in a bedroom, it is possible for instance to have a section with a waterproof floor (recessed or built-up) covered with a floor grating platform. See this smart example from a client here:
9. We do not know why but we want to connect the ofuro to the drainpipe anyway you can even move the ofuro to the terrace/garden and fill it up with a hose or other fun things like that.
and now, here is the main course of this article. Please read it if the previous argumentation convinced you.
OK. I do want a wetroom for my ofuro. How can I build it?
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For the sake of bullet lists, I can think of three main categories. a) use a large size shower pan/shower tray. It may not be big enough for XL ofuros but there are sizes to fit up to our M-7 (L=1500-1600mm) size. Cheap and easy to install, you can just buy one from amazon and have it installed. Many variants are available: low rise or with curb, black, white, or even gray or purple! corner drain or center drain, etc. Just internet search “shower tray large” or something like that.
b) use a wetroom system. Some have already the drainpipe built inside the panels for a slimmer and smarter installation. Here are some popular ones:
c) DIY. There are infinite ways to create a waterproof layer using PVC liner, asphalt mats, FRP, urethane paint coating etc. Similarly, there is a wide choice of floor drains, linear drains etc.
We are available for liaising directly with your plumber or contractor (via zoom, WhatsApp call, or email) to answer all their questions, also at the time of installation. On the other hand, please do not ask us which system is better or how much should be the gradient of the floor. As you understand, these are all environmental variables, and only the people on site can evaluate the peculiarities and requirements of each project and decide which system makes more sense for your project ＼(^o^)／
one of the most common questions we receive is “can Bartok design supply tubs with a system to keep the water warm all the time?”
The short answer is: NO. We are makers of Japanese wooden bathtubs. If we were selling how water or spa system we would just be resellers of some other company product. Moreover, we would not be able to supply spare parts or maintenance services.
To keep the water warm, there are basically 4 options:
1) Add hot water
Simple as the title, you drain some lukewarm water and add some 60-70 C. hot water to raise the average temperature. Pay attention not to get scalded!
2) Ask a local SPA or POOL equipment company
A re-circulation system consists of a small pump, a cartridge filter, a gas or heat pump operated post-water-heater and optionally a water sanitizing system (UV or Ozone. Chlorine is not good for the wood)
3) Ask Rinnai
Rinnai is one of the main gas domestic equipment makers in Japan and in recent years they started an aggressive expansion policy overseas. Rinnai offers “on-demand” gas-operated how water heaters. “instant” or tankless “tankless” is just another way to call them. Differently from other makers, Rinnai hot water heaters can be equipped with an option to also reheat the water with the very same equipment. This is the option (almost standard in japan) called OI-DAKI.
Try to Google search “Rinnai + your country” to find the best way to contact them. They will propose one of these 2 diagrams (direct or indirect connection) :
Do not ask us which one is better. Ask your plumber or your contractor and discuss the topic directly with Rinnai.
What is more important from our side is to decide which type of sockets to use for the SUCTION and for the RETURN.
The tubs are made in solid wood so a hole can be drilled on-site almost anywhere to install these sockets.
On the other hand, you will need to advise the plumber on how to secure them because the tub walls are thicker (t=42mm) than an acrylic or PVC tub. I think there are at least 3 possible approaches:
A) use a dedicated valve.
You may also ask Rinnai but your plumber might have to customize it. Here below is a diagram and an image photo to explain what I am talking about.
Basically, there is a mushroom-shaped valve that sucks lukewarm water from the front and returns hotter water from the slits around the base. This is a smart solution and also has a filtering function to protect the recirculation circuits from clogging etc. Again, I am almost sure that the valves available on the market (but maybe you would have to import from Japan) are too short to bypass the thick wood wall so your plumber will have to customize /extend it.
B) use SPA connectors
There are many makers such as Waterways, Hayward, Certkin, Jacuzzi, Pentair etc. that are producing SUCTION and RETURN fittings. Here below are 2 photos for your reference. Also in this case chances are your plumber will need to extend the threaded part but maybe this solution offers more flexibility and the parts are more readily available.
C) use the existing FILLER SPOUT
This is a little more difficult to explain but I am sure your plumber will grasp the concept.
If you use one of our wooden spouts, you can just feed the return pipe (from the Rinnai system) inside the spout and let it gently flow from the beak of the spout! You do not even need to have a dedicated spout for this. You can just have 2 pipes feeding the spout: one with the hot water from the wall-mounted mixer or thermostat and one from the recirculation circuit and hit two birds with a stone! In this case, you just need a suction socket but your plumber could even use the existing drain socket for this and mount a valve outside of the tub that can be opened to drain the water from the tub once finished.
It would be ideal if your plumber could do the sucking for the circulation from the drain socket and do the return inside the spout. You would feed also a normal premixed water pipe into the spout so it can at the same time output re-circled water and can also be used as a filler.
4) install a chofu wood burning stove
This option applies to outdoor tubs only. Chofu is another famous Japanese maker producing wood-burning stoves that are attached directly to the back of the hot tub. Not only for re-heating, it can be also the regular hot water supply for your outdoor ofuro. With reference to the specs of the heater and ways to connect it, please ask Chofu. https://www.chofuglobal.com/contact.html
Quite honestly, this is all we can say about our experience in re-heating or recirculating the water.
As said earlier in this article, the main problem we are concerned about is “HOW THE CONNECTION INSIDE THE TUB IS MADE.” Again, your plumber can drill holes as necessary almost anywhere as our tubs are made in solid wood.
We can also drill the holes for you if you prefer, but would definitely recommend you do it on site which gives your team much more flexibility.
One more tip: to overcome the problem of the thickness, you can either:
X) extend the fitting`s threaded connection
-or-
Y) make a trim around the hole towards the outside face (obviously) in order to reduce the thickness locally and be able to tighten the nut. See an explanatory image below.
Yes, this photo is for an anchor bolt and not for a pipe, but you understand the concept.
I hope this article clarifies some issues and remain available for any question you may have. Also, it is probably a good idea if you have your plumber or contractor calling me (whatsapp) or mailing me directly.
Hi Iacopo, “Hello, I am looking for a 2 person outdoor hot tub, that can stay filled without a need to empty it after each use. Is it something you can do? Thank you!”
We can provide the tub but NOT the hot water heater.
We would not be able to supply spare parts/maintenance so you will have all the advantages (price, service, support) to use a local provider.
To reheat the water you have 3 options: a) install a SPA recirculation system with post-water-heater (gas or heat pump). b) try to ask RINNAI (https://www.rinnai.us/ ) if they can provide a hot water heater with a built-in recirculation system. c) or you can drain some water and add 60-70 degrees hot water to restore the optimal temperature.
Please let me know of any other questions/problem
A common way to proceed is that you let me know the sizes/image of the ofuro you are looking for so we can provide a quotation/drawing and we can start from there for modifications/alternative quotations as necessary.
Also, you can find a price list for common sizes on the page below：
https://bartokdesign.com/download
-> please check 1), the first document in the list.
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If you let me know your exact address I can prepare a quotation for the shipping charges.
About the sizes: note that we do not keep stocks so every item is made after order.
For this reason, we can customize the sizes for your needs without any surcharge (of course larger tubs will be more expensive in proportion)
We are looking forward to working with you and remain at your disposal for any question/problem.
We have been invited to participate at the ”Minka Summit 2022” (22-24 April 2022) in Hanase (Kyoto)
There will be some 50 exhibition booths related to traditional crafts, restoration of folk houses etc. Bartok design will have a small exhibition booth featuring at least one ofuro and our best smiles!
Experts in Japanese culture such as Alex Kerr and many other amazing keynote speakers will also be at the event.
It is really a dream come true. Absolutely awestriking!!
I am not sure if it is sad news or happy news, …but yes! we can definitely turn it into a 100% happy news!
An old temple (called Josen-ji) located in Kameyama (Aichi prefecture) will be demolished in early 2023. The building is said to be at least 150 years old (but judging from the photos I think even more)
The elegant noyane (double roof) slanted iri-moya roof (a mix between hip roof and gable roof) is finished with the “hongawara” roof tiles which means that there are 2 separate parts, one for the concave and one for the convex components.
The size of the hon-do (main hall) is about 11m x 11m + external corridor.
It seems unbelievable, but they are also going to demolish and dump the gorgeous gold plated altar and massive scuptured ranma panels (；ﾟДﾟ)！
I still haven`t been on site. It seems like there is still plenty of time (before january 2023) to evaluate the possibility of transferring the building to save it. That said, the owner already has a quotation from a local demolition company (to just tear it down and clear the lot) and I am afraid that some penny-wise local interests may dictate the destiny of the precious building.
For this reason, (also considering past bitter experiences) I intend to proactively plan ahead a solution to carefully dismantle, transport and rebuild the temple in a location where it can be appreciated.
I would be grateful for any insight you may have. Please do not contact me for picking up just some materials or spare parts: I am looking for a party who is willing to adopt the building in its entirety.
I asked a specialized company to visit the site and provide a quotation for the disassembling work and I will post here updates as soon as available. It will be a rough evaluation, but I will also try to estimate how many containers are needed.
The idea is that for the rebuilding work, my carpenter can go on-site (also if overseas) to coordinate the reconstruction and instruct local craftsmen. In any case, the “foster family” needs to have clear ideas about how to finance the project, clear local building department filings, and supply the land and local construction company to handle the nitty-gritty of the project.
Or course, I remain available for any question or comment.
Cost of demolition of the temple: 12 million Yen + 10% VAT This quotation does not consider reusing of roof tiles. I think reusing is better (also considering that for relocation out of Japan, it would be necessary to import roof tiles anyway) so the cost would increase (rough estimate = +2.5 million JPY)
Cost of rebuilding in Japan (as a reference): scaffolding and temp. const. 500,000 JPY foundations 2,500,000 JPY timber frame (including new material 22,500,000 JPY roof 15,000,000 JPY plasterworks 3,000,000 JPY paintworks 700,000 JPY electricity and various 1,300,000 JPY
-> total 45,500,000 JPY + sales tax 10% Of course, in the case of rebuilding overseas, the cost will need to be re-estimated. We would be able to supply craftsmen to instruct local companies as needed.
Cost of transportation, import procedures, etc. to be determined.
Please let me know if you are interested so I can look into the feasibility of the project.
I checked the archives and I could not find a predecessor: therefore it is confirmed that this is the first outlet tub with L-corner joints (and thicker planks). Actually, the definition of “outlet tub” sounds almost like a joke when applied to this tub. The material is spotless and the manufacture extremely accurate, with dowels matching the wood grain.
Perfect for a king or for one person that really loves himself. Actually, having a good relation with oneself and caring for our body and for the precious time we spend on this planet is probably the precondition of the person that has enough energy to care for other people: the bright and energetic leader who gives back to the society and inspires everybody who crosses her or his path…
Do you think I am kind of derailing from the description of the ofuro? Maybe. But it you could see it in person you would agree with me. Compact in size but with the highest specs among our production, I think this outlet tub will set another record: I have the clear feeling it will be sold within minutes from publication. As a matter of fact, I am very tempted to do the sly move: skip publishing this entry and just installing it in my bath… ( ´艸｀)
