Custom tubs

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

We had the honour and the pleasure to deal with a top class construction company for this project.
An extracomfortable L1560mm x W950mm x H845mm hinoki tub was designed and built to retain all the archetypical simplicity and grace of hinoki.

To obtain this box-like design we opted for an extra thick wall plank (50mm in place of the normal 35mm) and used only quarter sawn cut.
This detail allowed us to do without the top frame border.
Also, the corners of the tub are simply “L” shaped in place of the traditional “T” shape (see picture below.) Of course this was possible only because of the thick plank which gives more structural stability and width to set the dowels. Waterproofing and protection of the side of plank in the joint is also assured with this detail.

The architect office required us the bottom sleeper to be recessed like a base molding, to match the design of the rest of the room and cabinetry.
I am looking forward to see this installed!

We had some communication problem in the beginning because some mails were captured by the spam filter .
(IN CASE YOU DO NOT HEAR BACK FROM US, SEND A FAX OR CALL US.)
Anyway, once found the problem everything proceeded smoothly and we could ship this hinoki tub, custom size sunoko and accessories in record time.

Every detail such as tub size adjusments, wall joint, floor duckboard modular units were agreed together with the client.

The wood for this tub was set aside last year, while the client`s house was still on the architect`s drawings!
We kept in touch with them every while and then to adjust the sizes or just for the season`s greetings: I never met the client in person but almost feel like old time friends. I am almost sorry to see the tub go but – who knows – I may visit one day!

Grade AB Hinoki bathtub L1300mm x W750mm x H660mm with japanese style tub cover and other accessories.
Considering the long humid season of the pacific coast, the hinoki was upgraded to all quarter sawn lumber. Note the soft parallel lines and the pale pink color…