sorry, sold out!
As simple as mentioned in the title, this is a rare example of box-shaped ofuro made with sawara cypress.
We had a batch of wide planks sawara wood and felt it is a waste splitting them and using as material for barrel type tubs (which require narrower planks).
Because we do not have examples of rectangular ofuros made with this material (and therefore no requests), the only way for us to use this beautiful lumber was to make an outlet tub. And here it is!
The tub is very deep and even people with a large body can lay inside with the hot water up to the shoulders…!
Sawara has a nice cherrywood like orangeish color and is very aromatic. So for those who think that hinoki is too “pale”… this is an unmissable occasion! And the price is very reasonable too!
Here are the specs:
sizes: L1200mm x W700mm x H745mm (external dimensions) 640mm(depth)
material: knotless natural Sawara wood
drawing: sawara-kakuburo-outlet-sketch
quotation:
1) AB grade tub (quartersawn) : 415,000. JPY
2) Packaging: 140x90x95cm plywood box: 38,000. JPY
3) transportation: to be quoted
(please let us know your exact address: we will provide a quotation before you purchase the tub)
Also in this case, the client contacted us in july and confirmed the order in november.
If you pardon me the obviousness, july is a hot season… for hot tubs!
It is a very poetic, very clean round tub. We often use sawara wood for barrel construction ofuro but the client was sure about choosing hinoki!
Click on more to see more pictures and updates (->about the the round cover) (more…)
The “hinoki aroma cards” campaign had a slow start but is picking up and I am now hoping we can reach the goal! See -> https://igg.me/at/hinoki-aroma-cards
We are 37% funded but have only one week left… Please spread the word!
Here below I am reporting a mail exchange I had with a fellow “japanese lover” who kindly replied to my newsletter. I think that many people feel uneasy about “crowdfunding” all together. I would like to hear everybody`s opinion about!
Question:
Hello Iacopo,
You are a very busy man….
I see your mails I see the info but I am not understanding what you are
doing?
You need venture capital for the new aroma cards from what I understand.
What market is there for the cards ? Where I am based in *****, I do
not see one, Therefore I would like to know more.
Please give me a short 1 paragraph of what you envisage.
Thanks for response when you can.
Kind regards,
*****
My answer:
Dear *****,
Thank you for your interest.
Crowdfunding is a new (not so new anymore…) system.
It is not only for raising capital. I am doing this project on indiegogo mainly for 4 reasons:
1) it helps me to promote the project (and my brand) thru social media and newsfeeds. Promoting a “product” may feel pushy but promoting a “project” is more interesting and creates involvement.
2) it helps me to study the market needs. By developing a product thru the advice and ideas of the end users, I end up with a more evolved and better targeted product.
3) if I get the campaign funded, the product itself will be more convincing as it could win the heart and obtain the commitment from many people.
4) ultimately, it helps me to broaden my avatar. I am devoted in helping the traditional crafts (not with donations, but with a new market for their skills) + I believe our society needs a more human and sensorial culture.
My activity in the production of wooden bathtubs helps me progress in both missions. But japanese crafts is not only ofuro bathtubs and I am interested in exploring new markets.
What are the differences between Japanese ofuro and tubs made in the U.S.?
Here are the 3 main differences between US-made tubs and real japanese tubs which make the two products difficult to compare. 1a) almost all US made tubs are coated with urethane. The look is natural but may feel a little cold and hard (like plastic) and have no aroma. 1b) Japanese made tubs are un-coated. You can feel the warmth, aroma and soft touch of wood but if the environment is too humid they may develop mold stains.
2a) US made tubs are assembled as a cabinet (see the corner mitered joint) and often made of finger joint glue-laminated wood. 2b) Japanese tubs are and are built like a boat and are made of solid wide lumber laminated with dowels
3a) US made tubs are made in red cedar, hard woods (like teak) or Port Orford Cedar (most of the makers call it hinoki – but it is not.) Please note that hinoki usable as construction material grows in Japan and Taiwan only. 3b) Japanese tubs are made with japanese softwoods (hinoki, asnaro, sawara, koyamaki). For flooring or wainscoting we use man planted lumber while for making tubs we use exclusively 250-300 year old trees lumber from primary forests.
Well seasoned wood is very stable but in extreme conditions of dryness it may warp or crack.
On this page you will find some of the commonly used terms and descriptions to help you finalise your ofuro order.1 – PLANK EDGE
The 42mm thick hinoki slabs are joined in such a way that the more permeable head of the plank is completely protected.2 – KAMACHI (BORDER) EDGE
For tubs wider than 800mm, it is necessary to strenghten the top with a 60mm thick frame (kamachi).
3 – COPPER APRON
Traditionally a copper apron is applied on the bottom to protect the side of the bottom plank. It has 2 functions:
avoid water to penetrate the wood perpendicular to the grain
the copper oxyde has a fungicidal action.
4 – NO APRON
For a lighter, more natural look we can treat the bottom plank head with natural oil by Kreidezeit. In modern bathrooms this area is not so severely exposed to rot like it used to be in ofuro of the past.
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.
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:
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.
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.
asnaro bathtub, spout and bathroom accessories by Bartokdesign. see the specs here:
Click on more to see more pictures and updates (->about the the round cover)
