Page 36 – Bartok design Co.

Notes for exporting to Canada

1)Can you provide the correct harmonized tariff code number ?
2) Products made of wood are subject to fumigation or finish requirements to stop the importation of insects. What is the experience with shipments to
Canada?
3) How soon can you ship following confirmation of our order.

1) The ofuro and the material for the sunoko are HS code 4421 . 90.
Other accessories or metal parts may have a different code.

2) We exported 5 times to Canada. There is no need for fumigation for finished wood products. I will verify for the lumber for the sunoko grating. Anyway we can supply a certification stating that the material is Kiln Dried and this is sufficient.
On the other hand, some some counties building dept. require compliance with the ASME regulations. Our tubs are not ASME certificated, so you should either file it as a “soaking tub” (not sanitary equipment) or contact us for more options.

3) Later today I will prepare a proforma invoice for your review and approval.
Please note that the shipping fee is still approximate. Kindly let me know your exact shipping address so I can obtain a official quote from the forwarder.
Finally, as you probably know ocean shippings for Canada require that the receiver is a corporation (private entities cannot file the customs paperwork.)

chopping table for famous chef

Well, this is not a tub but being a custom woodwork, I decided to add it to this section.
We made a chopping table for a famous chef, with a solid hinoki chopping board.

At first we considered the shipping cost and found out that the normal shipping would cost as much as the table itself…
So we decided to make it “knock down” so it could be shipped by EMS air mail.
Of course the client had to assemble it but we prepared all the joints so no screws are necessary (only glue).
This way we could keep the cost within the price range of an american end-grain chopping table.

as the board itself needs to be removed for washing, we supplied a silicon mat to be cut to size and placed between the top frame and the cutting board. The mat　becomes sticky when compressed, so it holds the board in place preventing it to slide.
Also, it absorbs the vibrations hence the sound made when chopping or cutting.

to the left is the sketch of the chopping table
to the right is the picture that the client kindly sent us!

Here are the specs of the table:
* Hinoki wood stand 540x450x745H with urethane finish
(Assembling on site with use of bond.)
(this stand would be without middle shelf to make the assembly easier)
* Packaging (reinforced cardboard box)
* Shipment by EMS

Here below are some cutting boards you can choose. Which one do you like?

here are the indicative costs (keep in mind that solid hinoki cost may vary like a commodity so we cannot guarantee on these prices)
kiso hinoki
140101. 　430mm L x 118mm x 300mm(quarter sawn) ￥84,000 plane finished
140102. 　580mm L x 108mm x 380mm(quarter sawn) ￥98,000 plane finished
130742. 　710mm L x 72mm x 370mm(plank cut) ￥35,000 plane finished
130703. 　650mm L x 90mm x 580mm(plank cut) ￥48,000 plane finished

ofuro in green Canada

It took us only 8 mails to submit the quotation, answer to the precise questions of the client and adjust the order details!

Unfortunately we had many tubs in construction and there was no space to take good pictures.
We hope to be able to publish here the site pics once installed.

here are some details about the order:
* japanese Knotless asnaro wood bathtub (42mm thick planks)
* sizes: L1525mm x W736mm x H650mm (ext. dim.) 550mm(deep)
* details: copper apron, wooden dowels. Iron brand at front&back top-right
* options: ball-type drain plug

accessories:
* Asnaro wood traditional cover 756x217x18 (7pcs)
* Hinoki wood traditional stool (300x180x200H)
* Asnaro wood stool (330x220x300H)
* Sawara wood ladle with handle (180D 290H)
* 100ml Asnaro-Hiba Oil bottle
* Sawara wood foot bath (430x270H)

Hinoki planks (AB grade) for floor grate panel w/hydrorepellent
a) L2000mm x W93mm x t15mm with anti-warping slits

We also added the answers to the client`s questions to our faq section.
I hope it can be of reference to you as well: >>>
https://www.bartokdesign.com/9-faqcomment/notes_for_exporting_to_canada.php

This is the site view with a large corner window opening on the green garden.

It reminds me of a saying of Cicero: Si apud bibliothecam hortulum habes nihil deerit.

translated: if next to your study you have a small garden, there is nothing else you need.
Well, I wonder what Cicero would have said if he knew about japanese ofuros…!

asnaro tub for a nice couple in CA

This tub will be delivered to the home of a mixed couple (Japanese and American).
I am wondering who first thought of installing a japanese bathtub at home: the husband or the wife?

The order consists of a knotless asnaro tub with sizes:
L1360mm x W750mm x H730mm (ext. dim.) 645mm(deep)
and with a top frame “kamachi” border of 55xH120 cm
Details include a copper apron and wooden dowels for the corner joints.

And one asnaro wood “Sunoko” floor grate panel 1400 x 1840 x H55mm It is split is 4 panels 460mm wide for an easy maintenance/cleaning of the floor underneath.

From now on, we will include with our bathtubs a complimentary hygrometer.
We recommend to keep it in the bathroom and be sure that the humidity is above 55-60%.
If the environment is very dry, and the tub is seldom used there is the chance that the wood may crack, so keep an eye on the hygrometer!

Apollonian tub for Australia

Maybe it is difficult to guess from the pictures of the products below, the tub will be installed freestanding and visible on the four sides in the center of the room.
There will be “sunoko” floor grating all around and covering the floor of an adjoining terrace. There is a window behind the tub so it is possible to look out at the hillside while taking a bath!
At the same time, the light coming from behind the tub exalting the Apollonian beauty and proportion of the whole interior.

I hope the client will concede some pictures to be posted here!

Here are some data about the tub:
* japanese Knotless hinoki wood bathtub
* thick planks (42mm) – without top border frame
* L1500mm x W750mm x H680mm (550 mm deep)
* T joint corners, wooden dowels, copper apron. Iron brand at front top-right

accessories and options:
* Hinoki wood internal seat W400mm (removable)
* Hinoki wood floor mounted spout type E
* Sawara wood ladle with handle (180D 290H)
* Sawara large bucket（225D　120H）
* Hinoki wood – traditional design – stool (300x180x200H)
* Asnaro soap box (175x115x48H)
* Pocket onsen bath aroma set – “special reserve” type (green pouch)

In this case we were asked to supply a simple tap already mounted inside the spout box.

For your reference, download the file below to see the main two methods used to install and feed a wooden spout.　>>>141009-spout-plumbing.pdf

photo of internal seat: slide it out to remove

material for the duckboards:
* Hinoki planks for deck (plank cut, high quality, knotless) w/ hydrorepellent treatment, planned finish, chamfer corner
a) L2700mm（2655） x W110mm x t18mm
b) L1100mm（1010） x W110mm x t18mm
to the right are the buckets, stool and other accessories (the “pocket onsen” is not in the photo)

twin tubs for malaysia

Here are two squarish hinoki bathtubs ordered thru an architecture office in Malaysia.
They will be installed is similar condo units, behind a large glass partition separating the toilet/lavatory area from the large shower/bath area.

The thin kamachi border we used in this case has the advantage that it can be grabbed easily when entering and especially egressing the tub

Here are the specs for the tubs;
* japanese Knotless hinoki wood bathtub
* sizes: L1100mm x W1000mm x H750mm (ext. dim.) 640mm(deep)
* details: copper apron, wooden dowels. Iron brand at front top-right
* option: overflow socket with flexible pipe, internal seat W350mm
* accessories: Hinoki wood wall mounted spout A
The side behind the bench is slightly slanted.

to the left: the back of the tub with western type overflow socket.
to the right: overflow with flexible pipe installed. It should be faced towards a wall or enclosed in a ledge. (Often, clients provide their one metal pipe and leave it exposed)

asnaro tub for a Singapore terrace house

The client is renovating a two-story terrace house in Singapore and choose a japanese wooden bathtub for himself and his family.
We hope they can enjoy it everyday!
The tub has copper plates joints both at the front and back (option.)
Here are the main specs:
material: knotless asnaro wood (AB grade)
sizes: L1180mm x W750mm x H690mm (ext. dim.) 580mm(deep)
details: copper apron, copper plate joints. Iron brand at front top-right.
options: removable internal seat (W350mm)
accessories: Asnaro wood wall mounted spout A

The drain fitting is not installed and we supplied it separately.
(standard-long type socket / rubber plug)

The spout can be opened easily for maintenance and cleaning.

fashionable hinoki in London

We made this beautiful hinoki tub for a famous fashion designer.

The shape is very minimal, with L shaped corners. The wood is natural look knotty hinoki.
And here comes the stroke of genius of the architect: they supplied a polished brass drain plug. As you can see, the result is refined and bold, transgressive and classical at the same time.

For an easier installation, we recessed the socket nut on the back of the tub to leave the threaded section as long as possible.

We also supplied a coupling ring to connect it to the drain pipe on site.

Here are the tub main information:
material: japanese Knotty (plank cut) Kiso Hinoki wood bathtub
size: L1400mm x W750mm x H680mm (ext. dim.) 580mm(deep)
details: 42mm thick boards, wooden dowels, apron w/ natural oil finish.
The ofuro is equipped with custom step stool in knotless hinoki wood, 450 x 220 x 400H

The architect also asked us to apply the iron brand on the bottom. He wanted to keep the look as minimal as possible, but the brand is important, even if it is not visible.
We also supplied a custom stool, with a cut on top for an easier grab and to drain the left over water.

round tub for Long Island

This barrel type bathtub is so bold and well proportioned.I am dying to see the pictures of the actual installation!

The ordering process was very smooth. We sent some wood samples for approval and the architect was happy with the “sawara cypress” refined tanned look. Anyway this wood is not suitable to build a duckboard, so the local carpenter will provide for it.

This tub is deeper than normal as the client is very tall.
Here are the specs:
material: japanese Knotless (quartersawn) Sawara cypress wood bathtub
size: Dia 1220mm x H958mm (external dimensions), 838mm(deep)
details: barrel construction, stainless steel bands.
The ofuro is equipped with an internal bench around half of the perimeter.

The bench is also useful an aid to step inside.

[pocket onsen] with “young trees” hinoki aroma oil

This is a more economic version of the [pocket onsen] using the normal hinoki oil.
This does not mean it is inferior, aroma is really a matter of personal taste!
The use is very simple!
Just pour few drops of the “Japanese Cypress – hinoki aroma oil” included in the kit on the orbs and place them in the hot water.
You can use the orbs over and over again.
Since they are only 3, you can easily store them on a shelf in your bathoom.

Choose the pouch color according to the sample below:
(see a larger image in the aroma oils page)

The pocket onsen comes in a high quality paulownia wooden box with the Bartok iron brand. Ideal for a gift!