Blog

strong as a castle gate – outlet tub – SOLD OUT

(sorry, sold out…）

This is a real Christmas present!
The client who bought exaclty 2 years ago was not able to import it because of the Covid situation and decided to put it on the market again!
Extra rare! We haven`t been able to make knotty tubs for the past 2 years!
First came first serve basis!

We just completed a large roten-buro (outdoor bath) for a hot spring in Hakone. As we had to use long pieces of lumber, we had some left overs: we picked up the best parts – heartwood only – and made this “hearty” ofuro for the outlet corner. We had several inquiries in the past month for knotty hinoki tubs but did not have any nice material on stock.
If you were looking for this type of ofuro you should act quickly because I am not sure when we will have another lot of such generous knotty hinoki.

This ofuro is simple and solid like the gate of a Japanese castle.
The length and width are very comfortable for 1 or 2 people and the 45mm plank thickness (compared to the normal 33mm) makes a bold statement. We usually use “beefy” planks when the clients require a large ofuro but want to avoid the top edge reinforcing frame. An option worth 1,200-1,500 USD alone!
Last but not least, the pattern of the knots as you can see is very well balanced on both sides. A bolder accent in the center (like a constellation) on one side and a more subtle harmony of knots on the other side. We applied the copper apron on both sides so you are free to choose how to orient it.

I am realizing that my writing ability today is overwhelmed by the multiple outstanding features. It is like trying to use all my muscles to push through the inexpugnable castle gate. I think this ofuro even more than the others cannot be explained with rational means. It definitely belongs to the realm of the emotions, with its stronger than average hinoki aroma (due to the knots), the thick walls and the organic pattern of the wood grain.
Yes, I am sure that absorbing this primitive strength from the fibers of this tree will provide the owner the power to break through the sturdiest castle gate!
(oh- I think I went a little too far…)

(more…)

ventilation and A/C

you’re saying natural air circulation is needed, and A/C can dry up the natural humidity of the wood in few days.
Unfortunately, the master bathroom where your tub is supposed to be located has no natural air ventilation.
It only has A/C. Do you think we are still okay with buying your asunaro tub?
Please let me know what can be the possible issue.

In your case, it is very spacious compared to most bathrooms. Also considering the air volume of the room, the air conditioning should not be a threat for the ofuro but is important that the air stream coming from the AC unit is not pointing directly towards the ofuro.

About the ventilation, air extraction fans tend to exhaust the air near the suction area while the dump air may stagnate under the tub or in narrow gaps.

This is the reason we recommend natural ventilation: because the air moves and forces the humidity out of its “hiding places” and into the exhaust.

A very efficient surrogate of windows is to place a fan or air-circulator on the floor directing the airflow towards the bottom of the ofuro for about 30 minutes after the bath.

It may not be needed because of the NY weather or the good functioning of the exhaust system, but the owner can keep in mind this option and implement it in case the need arises.

max size without top frame

Thank you so much for the response to our inquiry.
I will send more information and drawings shortly.
In the meantime, how wide can we go without the thickened top piece?
Originally, we had drawn a 3′-0″ x 5′-0″ tub. I would like to keep the size as close as possible but without the thickened top piece. At this size, how deep do you recommend that we make the tub?

I can provide some options to make the ofuro with a simple plank edge (without the need for the top frame border reinforcing):

1) using the 33mm thick planks: the limit is the S5 size:
S-5)  1300x750x640H (550mm internal): 540,000 JPY

2) increase the thickness of the planks to 42mm. In this case the border is not needed but there is a cost increase.
1500x750x630 (550mm internal) Hinoki tub : 950,0000. JPY

3) making the tub with your preferred size (5’x3′) and depth around 530mm is possible but we would have to further increment the thickness of the planks to t=50mm
1520x910x610 (530mm internal) : 1,220,000. JPY

Please note that the cost of packaging and shipping depends on the size you choose so it is not included in the quotation at the moment.

Please let me know of any problems or questions.

advice about size

Hello, I am interested in ordering an ofuro tub. I believe the 1100×700 will work best, but would like to get your advice. Thank you.

Thank you for your interest in our japanese bathtubs！

The size of a bathtub is a very personal business and it is difficult to provide all-mighty advice.

Note that usually compact sizes like the one that you are selecting work very well because Japanese tubs are deeper which means that the hydro-static push will lift not only your legs and lower body but also the less dense upper body and chest. As a result, you will feel like floating instead of sitting.

To determine the size of the ofuro, we recommend to our customers to create a mockup (using cardboard boxes, or maybe the space between the back of the sofa and a wall etc.) to simulate the space inside the ofuro and imagine sitting in it.

Also, I suggest also making the calculation of the number of gallons of hot water required to fill it up and consult with your plumber to verify the compatibility with your HW system.

About the quotation, please let us know your address so we can provide the total cost, inclusive of shipping charges.

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

ofuro longevity

How resistant is the wood? Do these baths last a lifetime or do they need to be replaced after a certain time?

Also, could you please give me an idea of the cost and lead time?

Wood is a natural material so we cannot say it lasts centuries but a tub installed indoors and maintained carefully will still be nice after 30 years.

There are 3 elements that may spoil and accelerate the aging of wooden bathtubs.

a) dryness (the tub should be used often or some water should be inside to prevent damage in case of heating/air conditioning/long absences)

b) dampness (excessive humidity may cause stains and mold spots. use natural ventilation after draining the tub. If there is no window, padding the tub with a towel or placing an air circulator in the bathroom for 30 minutes will prevent problems)

c) soap (soap or soap foam will clog wood pores and create the premises for mold proliferation. if soap gets in touch with the wood just rinse thoroughly)

said that, consider that ofuros installed in luxury hotels (with heavy use) usually are replaced every 10 years – not for functional problems but to upkeep the image 100%.

About the lead time, consider about 3 months + 2 weeks for air shipping. We can try to match your schedule if you have tight time requirements so please let me know.

For the price, I will need to know which size you choose. Let me also know your address so I can verify the shipping cost door to door (note that VAT will be billed to you directly once clearing customs.

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

height and drain considerations

What is the minimum height of a japanese bath?
I imagine if we decide to replace the present bath we also need to change the position of the shower controls as they seem too low at the moment.

For the drain, I saw on your website that there are many plumbing options. In our case, I presume the easiest is to have a hard connection simply because there is an existing drain in the centre.

Please note:

We can make the wooden bathtub as shallow as you want. Consider that for instance if we make it 50 cm high, you will have only about 40cm of inner depth which does not make it a “deep soaking” tub – but apart for that, no problem!

If you want a deeper tub, we could match the height of your niche and you could place a wall-mounted spout in this location feeding it from an extension of the existing plumbing.

This way you could patch the existing tiles and hide it behind the ofuro and spout without the need for a larger tile replacement/repair.

https://bartokdesign.com/all-category/ofuro-in-scandinavia.php

↑　Something like this but placed in the center of the long side.

Generally, we do not recommend to have the drain in the center. This does not allow us to provide a gradient for the bottom plank.

Also, we use a quite retro rubber plug that has a ball chain. Usually, the ball chain is attached to a wall for easy draining of the tub without the need to plunge your arm inside.

In the case of a centered drain, the chain would be obviously in the way.

Another problem you should be aware of is that Japanese bathtubs usually overflow from the top. When the user enters the water there is this feeling of abundance as some excess water flows out and the water level matches the top rim.

We can also supply a drain socket mounted vertically on the wall to act as a western-style overflow but you would lose some usable depth, plus you would have to hide the drain hose in a ledge or similar.

I think the ideal solution in your case would be to place a large waterproof pan to discharge into the existing drain. (something like a Kerdi waterproofing kit)

https://www.schluter.com/schluter-us/en_US/Shower-System/Shower-%26-Tub-Kits/Schluter%C2%AE-KERDI-SHOWER-KIT/p/KERDI_SHOWER-KIT?facets=false&length=122.0&width=1830.0

place the tub on it (without a hard connection) and place some duckboard elements around to hide the larger area of the Kerdi pan which is dedicated to pick the overflow.

The only downside is that the drain is not easily accessible for cleaning so you would have to move over the tub every time.

The good news is that it can be done easily as the tub is very light when empty.

Let me know if this answers your question!

“I love my bath, iacopo!”

“I love my bath, iacopo!”

This was the title of a very kind whatsapp message from a customer.
We live for these few but precious dew drops!!
But the real treat was coming in the following messages:
Two wonderful photos that I post here and a heart-warming message (see down at the bottom)
But first, let me here briefly comment on the photos:
1) the ofuro is installed with an angle (not parallel to the walls).
2) the reason for this is not a whimsy design concept: see the second photo!
3) yes! the ofuro has this direction so you can see outside the window
4) but the real “coup de genie” is that the ofuro is not fixed! You can move and rotate it.
You can look out of the window when it is sunny and turn to the natural white wall for a relaxing meditation when it`s raining outside (or just to the opposite…＼(^o^)／）

Basically, there is a deck under the ofuro that hides a waterproof pan with floor trap. so the drain socket of the tub can be made to discharge the water anywhere as long as it is on the duckboard.
Isn`t it a revolutionary idea?

Client endorsement：
‘An ofuro bath is a major investment but rest easy, you have come to the right place. My Bartok experience proved first-class throughout, combining outstanding craftsmanship with impeccable service – all from the other side of the world! A rare thing in this day and age and a tonic for the soul.

But don’t just take my word for it. Speak to Iacopo and his team to see for yourself.
Go on, take the plunge! Invest in a beautiful, wooden work-of-art. You will never regret it.’

I. from France

All best wishes

mold under the tub

We have been very happy with our tub, but we have one problem we are trying to solve. 
Our tub is not direct plumbed to the drain and is in a room with our main shower.  
Because of the configuration, water builds up behind the tub and drains very slowly.  The water build-up causes mold on the tub and on the floor around the tub. 
To stop the water build-up we wanted to raise the tub by putting blocks at the four corners and let the water flow through.  
 We are concerned that this is not enough support for the tub. So how much support do we need?
Thanks

It is nice to hear from you!

if your floor drain cannot keep up with the water being discharged from the ofuro, one solution is to reduce the flow from the ofuro by partially closing the drain.

1) You can just leave the plug partially inserted,

2) or you can close from the back with silicone caulk half of the opening. Of course in this case it would take more time for the ofuro to drain, I do not know if it is a problem for you.

3) Another option is to attach a plastic hose to the drain and insert it into the floor drain. This should already reduce the flow amount, also it should avoid water build-up.

4) about raising the ofuro on blocks; there is no problem with blocks under the 4 corners. Be sure to place the blocks so they support the sleepers under the long sides and not support directly the bottom of the ofuro.

5) lastly, an idea to reduce the residual humidity in the bathroom is to place a fan or a circulator on the floor and let it on for an hour or so after taking a bath.

Natural ventilation is the best solution to prevent mold but just making the air move is definitely a very good surrogate to improve the performance of mechanical ventilation.

Please let me know if these tips improve the situation!

All the Best//

iacopo

using the internal seat

Hi, I have been in touch before about an outlet tub.
I am still hoping to purchase a tub from you and have been looking at the Asnaro wood in a 1200 X 750x 660. I am about 5foot 6inches tall and feel it would be a good a size for me to sit in.
I see on the pricing chart that there is a seat price (please let me know if I am reading that correctly).
Would my shoulders still be submerged if I used the seat? Is there a dimension for the seat?
Any advice you can give me to help get the right tub for me would be appreciated.
Thank you.

It`s nice to hear back from you !!
Yes, on the pricelist we are also including the optional cost if you want an internal seat.
You would not be able to get the water to your shoulders while you seat on it.

Usually people alternate phases of full soaking (sitting in the side without a seat) to refreshing phases of “half-body bath” while sitting on the seat.
Note that in japan traditionally ofuros do not have an internal seat while it is common to find it in very large communal baths in hot springs.
If you install a seat in a 1200mm ofuro it will feel a little small but of course, you can still slip your feet under the seat and use the full length.
Also, we can make the seat to be removable but be aware that in this case, quite blatant wooden rail will stay. Please browse the link below for some examples:
https://bartokdesign.com/?s=internal+seat

The seat is usually 300mm deep, you can choose the height.

———–

To determine the size of the ofuro, we recommend to our customers to create a mockup (using cardboard boxes, or maybe the space between the back of the sofa and a wall etc.) to simulate the space inside the ofuro and imagine sitting in it.

I suggest also making the calculation of the amount of liter of hot water required to fill it up and consult with your plumber to verify the compatibility with your HW system.

Please let me know of any other questions or problems!

Best//

iacopo

ofuro in the living (temporarily…)

Dear Iacopo-san,
Please be informed that the Japanese Bathtub successfully arrived yesterday afternoon.
The wooden box (package) couldn’t enter thru the door. So, together with DHL, we removed the package and carried the bathtub into our house (see photo).
Thanks a lot!!!

Actually it looks great also in the living room!
Maybe you can move it over from time to time to bathe while enjoying the garden view!

The picture was so cute and the ofuro looks so much at home overlooking the garden of this light-filled house that…
I could not resist asking the (a little puzzled) owner If I could share the photo here.

A part for the jokes, using a flexible hose to drain the ofuro in a safe place, I think it would be so nice if the ofuro can be moved around from the living to the inner garden and enjoy every angle of this beautiful house!

Back to top