Custom tubs

Well, it looks like the edge of a huge bathtub but it is actually a sushi counter!
The wooden blocks of laminated hinoki wood are covered by a 7mm layer of solid quarter sawn thick veneer so it looks like solid lumber without the cracking and deformation problems that solid wood would have.
Besides, a trunk of such a dimension that can show straight grain on 2 sides probably exists only within the walls of the famous Ise Jingu Shrine…

Very close to the hinoki trees of Ise Jingu, we were very lucky to find a quarter sawn lumber more than 7 meters long. This way we could make the full length with the same plank: it means that the wood veins run seamlessly from one end to the other.

For the shipping and assembly we split the counter in sections.
After joining together the blocks, the counter will be treated with kihada ichiban, a full penetration water repellent. This product is based on the nano technology and (for reference imagine the Goretex fiber used for trekking and outdoors wear) prevents the large H2O molecules to penetrate inside while letting out the aroma and lets the wood breathe.

As mentioned in the title, a swiss young architecture office ordered this ofuro.
Their design is very clean and they pay great attention to the texture and coordination of few, accurately chosen materials. We feel honored that they chose a Bartok design tub for their new project!

The pattern of the knots is random as the carpenter has to give precedence to the orientation of the grain and width of the planks when selecting the material.
From this point of view, even more than straight wood tubs, a knotty hinoki ofuro is unique and unrepeatable.

Here are some of the main details:
material: Japanese knotty hinoki wood rectangular bathtub – L joints
size: L1200mm x W750mm x H700mm (ext. dim.) 580mm (deep)
details: copper apron, wooden dowels @ joints. Iron brand at back left

Another point that can be mentioned for future reference is that even if the site is in Basel,
it was more convenient to ship the tub through Geneve rather than through Zurich (air freight).

I am looking forward to seeing it in its new home!

For those interested in building or renovating a house with stunning design, here are the contact information of the Swiss architect:
Jaeger Koechlin Architekten ETH SIA
Zwingerstrasse 12 | CH-4053 Basel
T: +41 61 683 21 21 F: +41 61 683 21 22
http://www.jaegerkoechlin.ch

Last year we made a tub for a client in Washington state.
In january, we received a kind mail saying that they were getting back in touch to order a larger tub.
“I love the original tub that I ordered last year, but it is too small for two tall adults! I am now embarking on building a small tub pavilion and will install a larger tub inside. I have attached drawings here so you can review them. I am excited to create the space to hold one of your beautiful tubs!”

I think that an ofuro is not a typical product for repeaters and we were really pleased and honored to receive a second order.

The new tub is really gorgeous and I think I would give my right arm to be able to see the pavilion in which it will be installed!

We made the client wait 60 days because we had several orders and we have only one craftsman (Mr. Wada) able to deal with such a large tub.
It takes him about 15 days to laminate and assemble one tub and it took him 3 full weeks for this one.

The bench will be assembled on site, so we are including the pre-cut material and metal fittings.

Here below are the specs of the tub:

material: Knotless asnaro wood
sizes: L1600mm x W1422mm x H762mm (ext. dim.) 660mm(deep)
details: copper apron, wood dowels @ joints. Iron brand at front top-right
accessories:
– Hinoki wood int. seat W400mm w/ material for guides (unmounted)
– Asnaro wood traditional cover 1442x228x21 (7pcs)
– Asnaro wood floor mounted spout type E (without faucet)
– complementary Hygrometer

Well, it is not the best title I could come up with, but with some explanation, I hope you get what I want to say.

This is probably the fastest order we fulfilled until now.
The client contacted us on march 4th by email: “How fast could I get it to Montana in the United States? I would like to purchase it as soon as possible. Thank you so much for your time and I look forward to hearing from you!”
On march 31 the tub arrived to destination. In these cases we recommend payment with Paypal.

The tub is a Kadomaru model 930mm x 630mm size tub.
The order includes also a wall mounted wooden spout.

Recently we made an agreement with DHL and in case of the “Kadomaru” the shipping service becomes very rapid and reasonable.
Other advantages are that we can use a cardboard box (cost redution) and DHL picks up at our warehouse so we do not incut in any additional cost for delivering to the airport.
Feel free to contact us for more information!

Well, the problem of this tub is that it is so large that it doesn`t fit in the viewfinder!
We received a second order from the Parisian architect and cabinet maker we worked with in 2009. He contacted us because he is now designing another japanese style bathroom.
I am looking forward to seeing this new work as he is a master in matching stunning design with traditional sensitivity.

We could not find a single trunk for the top border as in 2009. We though we found one suitable lumber but it was faulty in the inner part.
In the end we opted for a hagi-zai kamachi (2 thick planks laminated side by side) giving priority to the quality and clarity of the grain.

Here are the specs of the ofuro:

material: Knotless asnaro wood bathtub top border wide kamachi
size: L1800mm x W1600mm x H538mm (int. dim.) – 625 mm high
details: nat. oil apron, wood dowels @ joints. Iron brand at front top-right
options: Asnaro wood internal seat W400mm
accessories: Asnaro wood floor mounted spout

If you are interested in contacting the architect in Paris A.K. please let me know.
—–> japan@bartokdesign.com