Testimonials

Message from the client:

Dear Iacopo,

We are loving the tub! It fits perfectly in our shower and is just the right size for moving out to the patio.Ill send more pictures.

J. from Canada

Reply:
Dear J.
The lacelike snowy landscape and the warmth of the wood create a perfect harmony.
Even your dog matches the color coordination… amazing!
This picture deserves the cover of a magazine!!
If you send me more photos showing the tub, may I publish them on our testimonials page?
Thank you//

iacopo

PS: I will publish more photos as soon as they send more to me.
I assume they followed my suggestion to move the ofuro outdoors (as it is not connected to the drain anyway)

When I mentioned this option, I had in mind to move the tub outdoors during the warm season, anyway I must admit that taking a bath while it is snowing and then being able to store it back safely indoors is definitely one of the best insights I ever received from the Bartok design`s Japan-lovers community!!!

Message from the client:

Dear Iacopo-san,

Please be informed that I just forwarded some photographs you of our bathroom.
If you want, you can use these photos in your testimonial.
Kind regards,

A. from Holland

Reply:
Thank you for the nice news and for all the pictures!
At first, I was in doubt about which to choose for the homepage.
Then I thought that not only the bathroom atmosphere is top-notch, but more importantly, you offer many hints about the day-to-day use of the tub. With cover and without. With an inner seat and without.
The photos from different angles really help us understand.
I see now your plan about using shoji for the overhead storage and spare toilet paper storage.
Really lovely and definitely more Japanese than any Japanese house I saw in the past 20 years!!!

Message from the client:

Dear Iacopo,

Well, it has been so long since you shipped our tub that you may have wondered what had happened to it. After a number of contractors backing out, and one quitting half way through the project; I was able to finish it off myself.
The tub is certainly the centerpiece of the modestly sized room but the look of it snd the scent of the wood riding on the steam are intoxicating!
We are really so happy with the tub.
It was worth the wait!
Thank you so very much for making it for us!

Reply:
Thank you for the update and lovely photos!
It sounds like your construction process was bumpy, but I am sure it was worth it!
The simple volumes of the vanity and the ofuro go wonderfully with the lovely geometric pattern tiles.
Other details such as the shower glass partition or indirect lighting are functional and make the bathroom feel even more spacious!

Message from the client:

Dear Iacopo,
Also, I’m pleased to share a first photo of the completed bath room with you. It’s taken on my iPhone only so not the best quality, but it should give you an idea of what I designed around it in yellow cedar slats which match the ofuro perfectly 🙂

Hope it finds you well x

Well… this photo is already incredibly beautiful and communicative!
I cannot imagine a better one!

When I opened the email, at first I thought that by mistake I downloaded a photo from the internet…　(;^_^A
I did not imagine that our traditional Japanese bathtub was transmuted in such a cutting-edge zen masterpiece!

I think this image is the quintessential vertical slit bathroom interior that all minimalist architecture lovers are dreaming of. I think that experiencing this space in person, with the five senses, must be even more powerful.

The edges of the room are sharp but immaterial at the same time, traced by shadows that are originated by the contrast with the bright cedar slats that form walls, floor, and ceiling.
I also love the well-balanced dialogue between symmetries and asymmetries.
A++!!

Message from the client:

Dear Iacopo & team,

I wanted to share two photos of my installed ofuro tub at my place – see attached.
I’m delighted with it and use it almost every day, it’s a slice of Japan in the urban jungle of Bangkok.

Looking forward to returning to Japan next year when I visit.

Arigato mille,

H.

Wow!
Woooow!
Wooooooow!

I am speachless…
blinded by the pure beauty of this installation, and mesmerized by the witty prose!
I still never met H. in person but we have been indirectly connected for several years as his family is also using a bartok design Ofuro since 2015 back in the UK.
I hope to meet soon in Japan (or in Bangkok?) and thank you again for sharing with us this juicy slice of Japan!

Message from the client:

I love my bath. See attached picture. 

S. from Canada

Also in Japan, walls of traditional stle bathrooms are clad in black (granite).
Needless to say the dark color enhances the natural wood tone and makes the sawara shine as if it was gold!

Message from the client:

Aloha, loving my new ofuro and the smell is amazing!
I would like to order another, this time a rectangular shape. Is it possible to have a knotty ofuro made?
Please let me know.
Thank you,

M. from Hawaii

The kadomaru looks amazing coordinated with the simple grey tiles and the green outside of the window!
I am afraid we do not have knotty material available and it has been like this for over 3 years,
I hope the client will settle for the knotless hinoki or asnaro…

Message from the client:

Dear Iacopo,
We have finally installed the beautiful tub you created for us.
Looking forward to enjoy using it this weekend. Although we enjoy just looking at it.
Warm regards,
J.

How do you like this L1400mm x W750mm x H640mm (ext. dimensions) 550mm(deep) hinoki tub with top border frame and copper plates?

The ofuro is literaly ON STAGE!
And the balance between the stone patterned walls and the wood is perfect and communicates a natural yet elegant atmosphere.
I also think the solution for the baywindow is very smart! The frosted central panel for privacy and transparent corners to have multiple views.

Have a worderful bath!

Message from the client:

Hi Iacopo ,
finally my bathroom finished.
I would like to share some photos .
Thank you again for the ofuro.

J. from Paris

Brava!

For this project we just supplied the ofuro and the shiji-like glass sliding doors were built locally.

even if the rooms are comparted, it looks so bright and ethereal with the shoji-like design!
the grid gives order and at the same time makes it feel more spacious.
I am sure the layout is also very flexible and cozy at the same time.

Even if it not technically shoji, it evokes in my mind the words of the immortal Japanese author Jun-ichiro Tanizaki.
Click the link below (documentary by NHK) if interested in learning why…

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/ondemand/video/5001346/

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.