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We exchanged mails directly with the client for about 2 months before going forward with this well balanced ofuro with an top overflow facing the wall.
The carpenter choose a the nice pattern of knots running from right to left on the top plank.
Accessories include a Hinoki wood wall mounted spout, ladle with handle, stool and
floor grate panel.

The specs of the tub are as follows:

Material: Hinoki wood K grade (knotty) tub
Sizes: L1350mm x W700mm x H670mm (ext. dim.) 580mm(deep)
Finishing: Wood dovels, copper apron, Iron brand at front top right

The tub top plank had an wood inlay. This is a traditional technique used when a wood-knot is or may become instable. The knot is removed and an another piece of wood is inserted to match
the shape. Wood fillings are unavoidable when it comes to Knotty wood and usually it is performed with a white round wooden plug.
Wood fillings are not signs of faulty material but are a sign of care taken by the carpenter.
Said this, after a remark from the client, for a better visual balance we filled it with a red round knot.

At the end of march we received a mail from a nice French couple.
They are planning a complete remodeling of their house and would like to use a japanese wooden bath for their bathroom.
At first they choose an oval tub so they could place it diagonally and enjoy the view out of the window.
They planned to use a duckboard for the floor, then they adjusted the plan and accessories a couple of times before going back to the original idea.
We could feel their excitement, worries and a lot of passion for their home renovation project.
Here are some pictures of the tub and accessories:

The tub is made in Sawara wood AB grade (quarter sawn).
Option: stainless steel metal straps
Dimensions are: L930mm x W630mm x H740mm (ext. dim.)
The tub is equipped with a cover split in two halves.
A shot from the back with the spout ready to pour steamy water inside the tub…

And here is a picture of the interior with the fixed seat

How to describe this ofuro? It is roomy and well proportioned. The top frame “kamachi” gives it a sturdy, solid look. it is really the platonic archetype of a dream-bath.
As Australians may imagine, it is not easy to import a wooden tub in the country because of the strict customs regulations and required inspections.
But our forwarder knows the procedures, and we provided the required certifications so everything went thru smoothly.

The tub is made in Hinoki wood AB grade (quarter sawn)
Option: slanted back.
Dimensions are: L1485mm x W880mm x H680mm (ext. dim.) 600mm(deep)
Finishing: copper apron, wooden dowels. Iron brand at front top-right
Here are other shots of the front side and candid interior!

At first, the client contacted us directly, then his very professional and constructive builder took the baton and we worked out with them the installation and shipping issues.
The current legislation in Canada does not allow private parties to import goods.
The consignee needs to be a corporation.

The tub is made in Hinoki wood AB grade (quarter sawn)
We were asked to build it with squared corners, so we used thicker planks (43mm) as per our “sharp corners option”. This also allowed us to skip the top frame border which would be otherwise required for a tub which width exceeds 750mm.

Dimensions are: L1207mm x W953mm x H699mm (ext. dim.) 584mm(deep)
Finishing: natural oil apron, wooden dowels. Iron brand at front top-right
The tub is equipped with a wood step stool 660 x 254 x H305mm in coordinated Hinoki wood.

As in the title, we were requested to produce two tubs with accessories.

Asnaro wood tub AB grade
Dimensions are: L1300mm x W750mm x H640 mm (ext. dim.) 560mm (deep)
The tubs are equipped with a stool a bucket in coordinated asnaro wood.

Inside this tub all you can touch is warm wood and soothing water…!

UPDATE: by popular demand, here is the information to reach the spa in Singapore where our tubs are located and give it a try!

IKEDA SPA – website: http://www.ikedaspa.com/treatments/signature
The big hinoki + small hinoki are at Clarke Quay outlet
The small hinoki is at Bukit Timah outlet
You can also contact IKEDA SPA and ask for their Onsen Hinoki Bath

This time we received the order from a commercial spa.
Apparently, the client was following us and our activity on the homepage for few years and since their are opening a new branch, contacted us for the supply of 3 mid size tubs (suitable for 2 people) and one large tub for 6 people.

We supplied different quotations and updated the proposal according to the design and layout changes that were coordinated between the client and his architect. As the date of the installation was nearing, we did not have the approved drawings…
Of course, important decisions should not be rushed. On the other end from our side, while waiting for a 100% satisfactory layout, we started to assort the material for the job.
We obtained the OK and since we worked also during the holiday period, we managed to ship about 10 days before schedule after all..!

After a long day of work in this cold season, washing away the sweat and fatigue in a steamy soaking tub is one of the best pleasures on earth!

2 person Hinoki wood AB grade tub (3 pieces)
Dimensions are: L1400mm x W1200mm x H558mm (ext. dim.) 471mm (deep)

6 person Hinoki wood AB grade tub (1 piece)
Dimensions are: L2400mm x W1700mm x H570mm (ext. dim.) 483mm (deep)

4 spouts in AB grade hinoki and
Wainscoting in knotty hinoki planks (L2000 x W105 x t12mm)