Ofuro

Traditional Japanese Soaking Tubs

At Bartok design, we specialize in the design and manufacture of genuine Japanese soaking tubs, ofuro – made in Japan by our trusted craftsmen from sustainably harvested indigenous Japanese wood. For almost twenty years we have exported our tubs to residential homes, individuals and architects, as well as to commercial properties such as spas and hotels. We look forward to designing an ofuro tub for you.

All of our ofuro are custom-made and made to order. Use the inquiry form to contact us, email us or message us through Facebook. Links are at the bottom of the page. We speak English, Japanese and Italian.

We have two standard tubs which we try to keep in stock. If you need an ofuro in a hurry, these are your best option with a choice of just two sizes. Check the specifications here.

Cape-town Bartok design Freestanding Japanese tub — A master bedroom to die for, Bartok design ofuro Freestanding Tub, Capetown

A BATHROOM WITH A VIEW:

there is only one way to wash away the stress
and toxins of our technological world:
going back to simplicity.
Our recipe for full relaxation and well being is
ONE BATH A DAY: as long as you do it surrounded
by natural materials, in an aromatic mist of fresh
fragrances and healing oils.
Simple is Heaven for body and mind.
hinoki bath tub and accessories ready for shipping ->

THE SMALLEST ROOM IN THE HOUSE

You might enjoy a big car or spacious home: you will be surprised how pleasing can be to spend hours in a 3 square meter room (30 s.f.). Even in a very compact 160x160cm (5’x5′) bath-unit, where you can be completely surrounded by nature and soothing natural scents is enough to make the most of your relaxing time. You might read a book while soaking in the warm water or just enjoy a serene landscape out of the window, you will come out rejuvenated, relaxed, healed. No doubt about it. You find it difficult to imagine? Please take a look at our introductory page.

This miracle is called hinoki bath. We work with multiple craftsmen in Japan who are producing hinoki bath-tubs for generations.
They are built with care, professionality and passion. And they are more affordable than the products offered by larger factories, loaded by sales commissions and promotional costs.

The main differences in using a craftsman are: your bath-tub will be handmade, custom as per your specification, using the best quality material. And it will be cheaper than industrial
ones. Bartok design offers you this option that is not normally on the market and definitely not available to overseas customers.

But you will need to make some choices. Scrolling down the page, you will be able to consider:

The resulting bathtub is the one that matches your needs and taste.
Please submit us the quotation form so we can prepare a personalized cost estimate without any obligation from your side. Let`s start:

type of wood

hinoki wood — HINOKI (Chamaecyparis obtusa)
durability and sublime fragrance

hinoki: white/pinkish, with a delicate lemon scented aroma. More expensive and lightweight. Japanese are crazy for hinoki because of its “pure” image. Hinoki is the “prince of japanese wood.”

Hinoki means literally “tree of fire” as it was used antically to spark a fire, thanks to its dry nature. Hinoki is the material used to build castles and shrines, to carve sculptures or noh masks, it has almost a sacred status among japanese woods.
As hinoki has an excellent dimensional stability and durability, it has been traditionally the first choice for the bearing structure of a house. Still today hinoki is widely used in construction, expecially for the parts which are connected with the “life and soul” of the building: columns and foundations. Hinoki grows straight, like a telephone pole. The grain is very compact and prevents the penetration of insects. Please find more details in the introductory pages.

asnaro wood — superior resistance to water and insects

asnaro: yellow/honey color. It has a stronger forest aroma. 20% cheaper than hinoki. Easier to maintain (because is slightly tanned and because contains more hinokitiol). Popular for export for its color and cost-performance. Asnaro is the “shogun of japanese wood”.

Asnaro, also known as hiba wood is harvested in the Northern provice of Aomori. For the sake of example, we can say it is quite similar in color and aroma to the north american Yellow Cedar, anyway it has in its active principles “hinokithiol” (a terpenoid with high germicidal which is contained only in asian cedar wood or in american red cedar).
In construction it is traditionally used to manufacture railings, windows and windows sills thanks to its great resistance to weathering, humidity and to the absence of knots.
Asnaro turns to a light tobacco color as it ages.

Which one to choose?

Consider that straight hinoki is the most beautiful because of white-pink color and elegant grain. On the other hand its candity will show earlier the signs of time and of use.

When our clients are in doubt, we recommend Asnaro wood. Its color is a warm straw-color and any stain/scrath will be less visible. Asnaro is also the most resistant against termites. Lastly, if you like the knotless look but want to find a cheaper alternative, Asnaro wood is actually available only in the knotless variety.

cut of wood

yasuragi ofuro
YASURAGI

The planks have knots. This does not affect the performance of the product and is more affordable costwise. Knotty wood is also believed to contain more aromatic oils. When the bathtub is skillfully assembled considering the pattern of the knots, it reinforces the confortable "woody" atmosphere.

YUTORI

The trunk is cut diagonally to avoid knots.The planks exhibit the long, elegant, pure grain of hinoki without imperfections. This cut is the most appreciated in Japan even though the subtle grain becomes more difficult to perceive with the passing of years.

sizes & layout

SUEOKI type
The bathtub is positioned on the floor in such a way that the wooden front is exposed. This solution is preferred when also the walls are finished in wood or just to enhance the elegant simplicity of the space. See the details for more info.

UMEKOMI type
The bathtub is recessed and it is mostly visible the inside rather than the outside. This solution may be slightly and limits the cleaning and maintenance to the interior surface. See the details for more info.

CUSTOM type
Any size, from family to pool type. Any shape including round, oval, poligonal etc.

For your reference, common sizes(*) are:
(see also the standard tub sizes pricelist)
We can build any size as per your specification at no extra cost, please inquire.
S1) 0900L x 0700W x 690H
S2) 1000L x 0700W x 690H
S3) 1100L x 0700W x 690H
S4) 1200L x 0750W x 660H
S5) 1300L x 0750W x 660H
M6) 1400L x 0750W x 666H
M7) 1500L x 0750W x 616H
L8) 1800L x 1000W x 616H
R9) 1400φ x 750H

(*) sizes (mm) are external

To inquire about your custom-made ofuro please fill out the contact form below or email us.