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.
Behind the curtains! Incredible scoop! This is actually the tub that will be displayed at the Kominka summit. The absolute protagonist at the Bartok design booth!
Sawara does not have the glamour of hinoki but is definitely the perfect choice to be installed in a kominka – or to bring the wabi-sabi and homey, understated atmosphere of a kominka to your home!
I am keeping these comments light because you will have the possibility to view it during the zoom-LIVE on April 22-24
For specs and sizes, check the details below but let me anticipate that is one of the most popular sizes for a compact ofuro.
one of the most simple concepts yet more difficult concepts to grasp about japanese tubs is that you do not really need to worry about the plumbing.
The best configuration is to have the ofuro simply sitting on a waterproof floor, sloped towards a floor drain and just let it drain onto the floor, without a fixed piped connection. Think of the ofuro as a large bassinette.
Merits:
1. you do not need to raise the ofuro and create a space below it to mount the pipe, the syphon etc. 2. it is easy to move the ofuro over for cleaning and maintenance. 3. you can flip orientation or position so it looks at the sunrise at sunrise and sunset at sunset! 4. you can even move the ofuro to the terrace/garden and fill it up with a hose or other fun things like that. 5. you can let the ofuro overflow from the top rim, as in a japanese hot spring, giving a sense of abundance and infinity.
Objections & Counter-arguments:
6. the drain is requested for filing to the building department
I understand that regulations may have scarce flexibility. That said, custom-made wooden tubs are not certified sanitary equipment (NSF, UL, CSA, ETL etc…) anyway. An ofuro is a soaking tub therefore is a fitness/well-being equipment like a home sauna or a tanning bed. Be creative, think out of the box. Your shower is a piece of sanitary equipment, your ofuro is not.
That said, if you really really want to provide a hard connection to a drain pipe: it is possible. We can provide an adapter with a female socket dia 50mm (1 1/2″) with G thread. Please check this page for further details: https://bartokdesign.com/5-tub_details/hinoki-tub-drain_and_waterproofing and do not forget to click on the links to open the drawing and photos.
7. We need a drain to connect to the overflow
Again, if you have a wet room, you do not really need an overflow. Think again about it! An overflow is mounted some 50mm or more (if the ofuro has a top frame) under the top rim. This means that you are losing 50mm or more of depth. Also you cannot enjoy the feeling of the “vanishing edge” and the relaxing sound of water gently overflowing from the top. Another problem with the overflow is that you will need a ledge or lining to hide the corrugated pipe of the overflow. See the following pages to see examples:
That said, if you really-really need an overflow connection, we can either install the plastic hose (as per photo on the right) or you can ship us your bespoke fitting.
Note that most standard fittings do not work on an ofuro because the wall thickness (33~42mm or more) is thicker than commercial acryl/FRP bathtubs.
8. We cannot install a wetroom
In some cases, we see ofuros are installed in bedrooms, or in situations where is not possible to recess or built-up a wetroom curb. Actually, even in a bedroom, it is possible for instance to have a section with a waterproof floor (recessed or built-up) covered with a floor grating platform. See this smart example from a client here:
9. We do not know why but we want to connect the ofuro to the drainpipe anyway you can even move the ofuro to the terrace/garden and fill it up with a hose or other fun things like that.
and now, here is the main course of this article. Please read it if the previous argumentation convinced you.
OK. I do want a wetroom for my ofuro. How can I build it?
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For the sake of bullet lists, I can think of three main categories. a) use a large size shower pan/shower tray. It may not be big enough for XL ofuros but there are sizes to fit up to our M-7 (L=1500-1600mm) size. Cheap and easy to install, you can just buy one from amazon and have it installed. Many variants are available: low rise or with curb, black, white, or even gray or purple! corner drain or center drain, etc. Just internet search “shower tray large” or something like that.
b) use a wetroom system. Some have already the drainpipe built inside the panels for a slimmer and smarter installation. Here are some popular ones:
c) DIY. There are infinite ways to create a waterproof layer using PVC liner, asphalt mats, FRP, urethane paint coating etc. Similarly, there is a wide choice of floor drains, linear drains etc.
We are available for liaising directly with your plumber or contractor (via zoom, WhatsApp call, or email) to answer all their questions, also at the time of installation. On the other hand, please do not ask us which system is better or how much should be the gradient of the floor. As you understand, these are all environmental variables, and only the people on site can evaluate the peculiarities and requirements of each project and decide which system makes more sense for your project ＼(^o^)／
I checked the archives and I could not find a predecessor: therefore it is confirmed that this is the first outlet tub with L-corner joints (and thicker planks). Actually, the definition of “outlet tub” sounds almost like a joke when applied to this tub. The material is spotless and the manufacture extremely accurate, with dowels matching the wood grain.
Perfect for a king or for one person that really loves himself. Actually, having a good relation with oneself and caring for our body and for the precious time we spend on this planet is probably the precondition of the person that has enough energy to care for other people: the bright and energetic leader who gives back to the society and inspires everybody who crosses her or his path…
Do you think I am kind of derailing from the description of the ofuro? Maybe. But it you could see it in person you would agree with me. Compact in size but with the highest specs among our production, I think this outlet tub will set another record: I have the clear feeling it will be sold within minutes from publication. As a matter of fact, I am very tempted to do the sly move: skip publishing this entry and just installing it in my bath… ( ´艸｀)
How are you? I trust you are enjoying a serene holiday season. I wish you a very happy year-end, in the warmth of your family, and a shining beginning of the New Year. ＼(^o^)／ 2021 has been a challenging one. But “challenges” have always been part of our lives and always will be: as the hatred examinations when we were in school, every challenge helps us to improve and become stronger and wiser.
The trick is to maintain a positive attitude and remember that “thoughts create reality”: even in this long Covid parentheses, I trust you will treasure the positive facets of this situation and continue to keep an eye towards a brighter future and what we can do on a daily basis to make it happen.
I am wondering when we will be able to break free from the compulsory habit to wear a mask all the time.
A nice couple come to our workshop in Yotsukaido (near Narita airport) to see the timber that will be used for their ofuro project and our Mr. Ikeda surprised them with expressly made hinoki cutting boards.
What a treat!
First, the planks are roughly planed by machine
then, the edges are rectified
both sides are made smooth and silky with a fine electric plane
then the corners are mitered
and finally the iron brand is applied. Just few seconds, Ikeda-san!
This is a real Christmas present! The client who bought exaclty 2 years ago was not able to import it because of the Covid situation and decided to put it on the market again!
Extra rare! We haven`t been able to make knotty tubs for the past 2 years! First came first serve basis!
We just completed a large roten-buro (outdoor bath) for a hot spring in Hakone. As we had to use long pieces of lumber, we had some left overs: we picked up the best parts – heartwood only – and made this “hearty” ofuro for the outlet corner. We had several inquiries in the past month for knotty hinoki tubs but did not have any nice material on stock. If you were looking for this type of ofuro you should act quickly because I am not sure when we will have another lot of such generous knotty hinoki.
This ofuro is simple and solid like the gate of a Japanese castle. The length and width are very comfortable for 1 or 2 people and the 45mm plank thickness (compared to the normal 33mm) makes a bold statement. We usually use “beefy” planks when the clients require a large ofuro but want to avoid the top edge reinforcing frame. An option worth 1,200-1,500 USD alone! Last but not least, the pattern of the knots as you can see is very well balanced on both sides. A bolder accent in the center (like a constellation) on one side and a more subtle harmony of knots on the other side. We applied the copper apron on both sides so you are free to choose how to orient it.
I am realizing that my writing ability today is overwhelmed by the multiple outstanding features. It is like trying to use all my muscles to push through the inexpugnable castle gate. I think this ofuro even more than the others cannot be explained with rational means. It definitely belongs to the realm of the emotions, with its stronger than average hinoki aroma (due to the knots), the thick walls and the organic pattern of the wood grain. Yes, I am sure that absorbing this primitive strength from the fibers of this tree will provide the owner the power to break through the sturdiest castle gate! (oh- I think I went a little too far…)
Thank you so much for the response to our inquiry. I will send more information and drawings shortly. In the meantime, how wide can we go without the thickened top piece? Originally, we had drawn a 3′-0″ x 5′-0″ tub. I would like to keep the size as close as possible but without the thickened top piece. At this size, how deep do you recommend that we make the tub?
I can provide some options to make the ofuro with a simple plank edge (without the need for the top frame border reinforcing):
1) using the 33mm thick planks: the limit is the S5 size: S-5) 1300x750x640H (550mm internal): 540,000 JPY
2) increase the thickness of the planks to 42mm. In this case the border is not needed but there is a cost increase. 1500x750x630 (550mm internal) Hinoki tub : 950,0000. JPY
3) making the tub with your preferred size (5’x3′) and depth around 530mm is possible but we would have to further increment the thickness of the planks to t=50mm 1520x910x610 (530mm internal) : 1,220,000. JPY
Please note that the cost of packaging and shipping depends on the size you choose so it is not included in the quotation at the moment.
What colors of wood do you offer? Can you share some pictures of the actual colors/shades.
Dear Y, We use natural wood, no pigments, or dies. Also, only conifers can be used for bathtubs so the colors are quite similar. (they are all light color woods.) I mean that there is no dark wood like walnut or reddish like mahogany.
Our three kinds of wood are: ・hinoki (whitish. color tone similar to birch) ・asnaro (yellowish. color tone similar to oak) ・sawara (orangeish. color tone similar to cherry)
If you want we can send some physical samples. Where are you based? If we can use EMS shipping the cost will be 4000 JPY. If not (USA, Australia etc. – during the COVID emergency) we will have to use Fedex so cost will be 12,000 JPY
Please let me know how you intend to proceed. Best// iacopo
The cultural center and ryokan in S. Ginesio (central Italy) re-opened in the post-corona era on May 20th.
And to celebrate they cleaned and re-sanded their knotty hinoki 15-year old bartok design ofuro.
I leave the photos to describe the whiteness of the regenerated hinoki and the colors of the springtime filling it completely.
After the Corona virus I think that long haul flights and trips to faraway countries will be pursued less. We will assist to the spread of the “micro-tourism” model as theorized by the President of the hotel chain “Hoshino Resort”
If you are in Europe, what other excuse are you waiting to visit the Wabi Sabi Ryokan? For questions/ reservations, contact Ricky and Serenella as per the details below:
