Custom tubs

As the title says, this tub will be used for a cold water plunge so it does not have an internal seat.

The tub was ordered thru a very collabotarive architecture office and we had a positive and efficient exchange of information back and forth.
This is something we have to thank the technology for…
On the other hand, the tub itself is 100% analogic.
Even though for box type tubs we can build precisely (tolerance of +/-1mm) a round tub of this size may have a tolerance of +/-10mm!

There is a saying that round tubs do not close if they are built by calculation.
A round tub is beautiful (and functional) only if it is built with the heart!

Here below are the specs of the tub:

material: natural Japanese Hinoki cypress AB grade bathtub (quartersawn)
sizes: Dia 1220mm x H958mm (external dimensions) 838mm(deep)
details: stainless steel bands
accessories:
– Hinoki wood step stool W500mm x D400mm x H400mm
– Complimentary hygrometer

We made a similar tub for a californian client in 2009.
His mother apparently likes the tub too so we received another order: same shape, same size, same material.

There is one problem though: the double slanted tub we made in 2009 was a hit. It was published on an american interior design magazine and was featured in a japanese TV program.
The wood knots pattern -unpredictable by nature- was very well balanced: powerful and refined at the same time.

The problem is this: can we make a tub with a knot pattern that is at least as nice as the son’s?
We do not want to be the cause of family jealousy…

But yes: the miracle happened twice! The tub is as beautiful (if not even more) as the 2009 one: compare yourself.
What do you think? Feel free to use the comments field below to share your thoughts.

Here below are the specs of the tub:

material: natural Japanese Hinoki cypress K grade bathtub (knotty)
sizes: L1320mm x W685mm x H660mm (ext. dim.) 546mm (deep)
details: nat. oil apron, wood dowels. Iron brand at front side top-right
accessories:Hygrometer

This tub will be shipped to New Zealand.

Here below are the specs:
material: natural Japanese Asnaro AB grade bathtub (quartersawn)
sizes: L1350mm x W750mm x H675mm (ext. dim.) 570mm (deep)
note: wooden dowels, copper apron, iron brand at top-right corner
accessories:
– Asnaro wood lid with handles (3 pcs)
– Hinoki wood traditional stool (300x180x200H)
– Hygrometer

Here below are the specs of the tub:

material: natural Japanese Knotless Hinoki cypress bathtub
sizes: L1450mm x W850mm x H640mm (ext. dim.) 550mm (depth)
note: stainless steel bands. Iron brand at top. Drain socket.
option: Hinoki wood internal seat W400mm
accessories:
– Hinoki wood traditional cover 870x207x18 (7pcs)
– Sawara wood ladle with handle (180D 290H)
– Sawara wood large bucket（230D 120H）
– Asnaro wood stool (330x220x300H)
– Hygrometer
– Hinoki Special Reserve Oil (10ml.)
– Hinoki Essential Oil – 70 years old (10ml.)
– Packaging: 1650x1050x840 plywood box

– Hinoki planks (AB grade) for floor grate panel w/hydrorepellent
L2700mm x W93mm x t15mm with anti-warping slits
Packaging: 2800x130x220 cardboard x 2 c/s

When we receved an email from Australia in spotless japanese we were so surprised!
The mistery was cleared as we were told he studied and worked in Tokyo for a few years in his youth.

I imagine that the aroma of hinoki must bring back powerful memories and dejavues!

The client even come to visit our workshop,then after about one year he finalized the details of the order with a tight correspondance in japanese.
(My carpenter was galvanized at the fact he could answer back easily without translation so I think he indulged in corresponding even more than strictly necessary…)

Here below are the specs of the tub:

material: natural Japanese Knotless Hinoki bathtub (quartersawn)
Sizes: L1100mm x W700mm x H761mm (ext. dim.) 661mm (deep)
Note: wooden dowels, coppper apron, iron brand at short side, top left
accessories:
– Hinoki wood lid (2 pcs)
– Hinoki wood traditional stool
– Asnaro wood floor mounted spout type E
– Complimentary hygrometer

Model/material: japanese Knotless Sawara cypress wood bathtub
Sizes: L850mm x W630mm x 740mm (630mm deep)
Note: stainless steel wire bands. Iron brand at front top-right

An architect from Singapore contacted us for this project.
It is a nice kado-maru model with custom sizes and internal seat.

The order process was very smooth. For the shipping, we proposed to use DHL as the new services price-list is very competitive and allows us to use a cardboard for the packaging, thus saving additionally on the shipping costs altogether.

The main note about this tub is that the client absolutely wanted it in hinoki wood, although usually we employ sawara for this type of barrel construction models.
Sawara is easier to work in curved elements and the bands make a better grip into the softer wood, but … we will make that extra step if we can satisfy the client`s wishes!

Here are the specs:
Model/material: Japanese Knotless Hinoki “Oke” bathtub
Sizes: L1100mm x W630mm x 740mm (620mm deep)
Options: Hinoki wood internal seat W400mm
Accessories: Hinoki wood step stool W400mm x D320mm x H300mm

I have been contacted in 2014 for the tub for a new construction house.
The client is an architect who is building her own house and as a professional she had a perfect understanding of the material, site preparation (gradients, waterproofing) and details.

She choose the oil finish for the apron and was concerned that the difference of color may not look good, so she considered having the front face of the tub treated with natural oil as well. It is a very good insight, but finally we went on with our standard detail for two reasons:

1) if we were to apply the oil on the front side, to keep the system balanced and prevent internal stresses/distorions, we would have to treat the 4 sides.
This should be relatively safe, but to be honest, we never did until now and would prefer to apply the oil only on the cross section of the bottom plank.

2) The bottom plank cross section looks of a darker color when treated with oil. But this is mainly an effect due to the camera lenses. It is not so evident in reality

The tub uses beautiful knotty planks with their natural pattern.
Here are the specs:
Material: Japanese Hinoki wood K grade (knotty)
Sizes: L1300mm x W750mm x 660mm (550mm deep)
Features: Natural oil finish, Wooden dowels, Iron brand at front top-right