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sassy tub for Singapore

This was a very rapid and smooth order.
It took exactly 29 days from the first information request to the submission of the complete ofuro pictures. To be precise, 15 days for the quotation, modifications, details fine tuning, confirmation and 14 days for the production!

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It is a neat and stilish knotless bathtub with the following specifications:
material: japanese knotless asnaro wood rectangular bathtub – T joints
sizes: L1000mm x W700mm x H700mm (590mm deep)
details: natural oil apron, wooden dowels @ joints. Iron brand at front right
options: overflow top cut, ball-type drain plug

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Here in the picture below, you can see the in action our smart and sassy “ball type rubber plug”. It comes for few extra bucks but it is worth it, especially for a tub with elegant proportions such as this one!

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Reference from Canada

Hello Iacopo,

We finally have our ofuro finished with the installation of the blinds. That hasn’t stopped us from having some wonderful soaks over the past 2 months. The room is magical and we are enjoying sitting in and out of the tub, sometimes for hours. It is surprising how well the water maintains its temperature compared to a regular tub. We never have to add hot water to stay warm.

Our architects sourced a frameless window sytem that easily and quickly folds out of the view and we look forward to using this feature more as the weather warms. Our carpenter used yellow cedar for the the wall and window sill which goes nicely with the asnaro, both in tone and fragrance.Thank you for your wonderful product and great service. We look forward to many years of enjoyment.

Warmest regards,

xxx


Reply:
Thank you for your kind message.
I am really wordless at the sight of such a beautiful result.
No doubt this becomes our best example of japanese ofuro installed
outside of Japan and most appealing pictures.

Best regards and… enjoy your bath, it is really wonderful!

larger tub … for Seattle

Last year we made a tub for a client in Washington state.
In january, we received a kind mail saying that they were getting back in touch to order a larger tub.
“I love the original tub that I ordered last year, but it is too small for two tall adults! I am now embarking on building a small tub pavilion and will install a larger tub inside. I have attached drawings here so you can review them. I am excited to create the space to hold one of your beautiful tubs!”

I think that an ofuro is not a typical product for repeaters and we were really pleased and honored to receive a second order.

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The new tub is really gorgeous and I think I would give my right arm to be able to see the pavilion in which it will be installed!

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We made the client wait 60 days because we had several orders and we have only one craftsman (Mr. Wada) able to deal with such a large tub.
It takes him about 15 days to laminate and assemble one tub and it took him 3 full weeks for this one.

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The bench will be assembled on site, so we are including the pre-cut material and metal fittings.

Here below are the specs of the tub:

material: Knotless asnaro wood
sizes: L1600mm x W1422mm x H762mm (ext. dim.) 660mm(deep)
details: copper apron, wood dowels @ joints. Iron brand at front top-right
accessories:
– Hinoki wood int. seat W400mm w/ material for guides (unmounted)
– Asnaro wood traditional cover 1442x228x21 (7pcs)
– Asnaro wood floor mounted spout type E (without faucet)
– complementary Hygrometer

another tub for Paris

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Well, the problem of this tub is that it is so large that it doesn`t fit in the viewfinder!
We received a second order from the Parisian architect and cabinet maker we worked with in 2009. He contacted us because he is now designing another japanese style bathroom.
I am looking forward to seeing this new work as he is a master in matching stunning design with traditional sensitivity.

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We could not find a single trunk for the top border as in 2009. We though we found one suitable lumber but it was faulty in the inner part.
In the end we opted for a hagi-zai kamachi (2 thick planks laminated side by side) giving priority to the quality and clarity of the grain.

Here are the specs of the ofuro:

material: Knotless asnaro wood bathtub top border wide kamachi
size: L1800mm x W1600mm x H538mm (int. dim.) – 625 mm high
details: nat. oil apron, wood dowels @ joints. Iron brand at front top-right
options: Asnaro wood internal seat W400mm
accessories: Asnaro wood floor mounted spout

If you are interested in contacting the architect in Paris A.K. please let me know.
—–> japan@bartokdesign.com

complimentary hygrometer

A client reported a (superficial) crack to an asnaro tub we shipped earlier this year.
The ofuro was made with well dried ao-hiba and something like this does not happen unless the wood is really very dehydrated.
We asked the client to check the relative humidity in the room and report to us (3 readings at morning – noon – evening)
Before thinking of a way to repair the crack, we should quickly isolate and eliminate the problem otherwise the tub may suffer more damage.

  1. Is there a heater or radiant floor in the bathroom? If yes, it should be kept off while the tub is empty.
  2. Is there central air conditioning? Often these systems have dehumidifiers in line. Again, the AC should not be used in the bath area while the tub is empty.
  3. Is the ofuro seldom used? (should be used 2, 3 or more times a week!)
  4. Keeping some water inside may preserve the tub for periods when it is not used. Anyway, it is important to either fill the tub to the top, or keep few inches of water and a cover on the tub so that the humidity can reach also the area close to the edge.
  5. If the tub is left unused for extended periods and the AC/heating is very powerful, the option of keeping some water inside and a cover on top may not be sufficient as the dry environment would attack the outside of the tub. In this case I recommend to wrap the tub also on the outside (as much as possible) in a similarly to the way it was delivered.

Wishing that this would never happen again, 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.

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outdoor tub for the west coast

This project went thru a very smooth process. It took about 2 weeks for deciding the options, 2 weeks for construction and 4 weeks for shipping and delivery.
The client went thru our website carefully and indicated a custom tub close to her image.
The tub is to be used outside so we recommended a thermal cover (to be purchased locally).
During the winter the cold temperature results in a lower relative humidity.
If the tub is winterized we would recommend to wrap the tub with a cellophane sheet before covering it, to prevent the humidity loss.

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The tub is in asnaro wood.
Sizes are L1400mm x W900mm x H680mm (ext. dim.) 600mm(deep)
It is equipped with a Asnaro wood traditional cover 920x233x18 (6pcs)

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The ofuro has an internal removable seat and was supplied without installing the drain socket. Once the exact location has been determined, the local contractor will drill a hole in the solid wood and apply the drain socket we supplied.

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japanese Knotless (quartersawn) Asnaro wood bathtub

eco-scrooge outlet tub(sold out!)

sorry, sold out!

Are you into energy saving, recycling, waste reduction?
Would you choose an organic vegetable soup over an overstuffed hamburger?
Do you enjoy a hike on the Rokies more than window shopping on 5th Avenue?

Than, this tub is for you!

The front planks have a nice gradation and are joined in such a way to enhance this quality, like a rainbow.
All the material is beautiful asnaro wood and comes from the same lot, which was partially used for another project. But how could we make it so cheap?
We could considerably reduce the cost by using some AB grade material.
Note from the pictures below that there are 2 flush knots in the top frame border we used.

Of course this does not affect the quality of the wood, actually the eco-scrooge who lives inside you will enjoy the skillful inlays as the mole on Marilyn`s beautiful cheek!

I cannot really explain in writing how silky is this tub`s inside. If you have a chance to visit Japan, consider dropping by at our warehouse in Yotsukaido (near Narita airport).
This tub is worth a trip!

Here are the details:
size: L1300mm x W800mm x H630mm (external
dimensions) 640mm(depth)
quality: asnaro wood.

1) AB grade tub (masame cut) : 390,000. JPY
2) Packaging: 1500x1000x830 plywood box: 39,000. JPY
3) Pick up and delivery to Tokyo port or Narita air port: 10,000 JPY

For the payment, we accept Credit cards thru PAYPAL or contact us for wire transfer information to our bank account in Japan.

Click here: (ofuro drawing) to download it in acrobat format.

Outlet: `beefy` oval tub (sold out)

sorry, SOLD OUT
Another idea, a new outlet tub…
Japanese bathing
As much as we always strive to optimize the width of our planks, after few months it is inevitable we accumulate a small stock of narrow leftovers.
So, we decided to build a barrel type oval tub without having to pay a yen for the material!
To build this size of tub, 33mm thick planks are more than enough, anyway most of the
wood stripes we had were 45mm thick. It is a shame to plane it down so we decided to go for a `BEEFY` oval tub!
wood tub
Here is the information and cost about this gorgeous brand new tub.
L1500mm x W700mm x H720mm (external dimensions) 630mm(depth)
knotless natural Asnaro oval shaped bathtub.
bands are in threaded stainless steel wire.
The set is completed with a custom lid split in 2 halves for easy use.
1) AB grade tub (quarter sawn) : 550,000. JPY
2) Packaging: 1650x850x920 wood box: 42,000. JPY
3) Shipment: please let us know your full address so we can take a quote (ocean or air freight)
For the payment, we accept Credit cards thru PAYPAL / or contact us for payment thru wire transfer to our bank account in Japan.
download the drawing in acrobat format: outlet090706.pdf
ofuro

(more…)

cutting the top frame

This is a very nice cut of Asnaro wood. It has a large section and could be used for carving a Buddha statue or some aulic application which require the best wood.

ofuro construction

We are building a tub for a customer in Belgium and hope he will appreciate some extra service…

Outlet tub: a nostalgic standard (sold out)

* * * Sorry, sold out! * * *

soaking tub
We are proud to introduce you a new outlet tub.
Main characteristics are a compact size and light weight (about 60Kg.)
In the past this type of bathtub was a staple in all households.
Here is some data:
SIZES: L1100mm x W700mm x H670mm (external dimensions) 600mm(depth)
QUALITY: knotless natural Asnaro bathtub.
PRICE:
1) AB grade tub (quarter sawn) : 340,000. JPY
2) Packaging: 1250x850x870 wood box: 31,000. JPY
3) Transportation: at cost (please specify if you prefer sea or air and let us know exact address so we can get quotation.)
Plan / elevation available here (pdf)
Front view
Japanese soaking
Back view
Japanese bathing
Side view
ofuro

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