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Simple pleasures from Bathroom Trends volume 2503
Bathrooms are frequently remodeled to create a personal retreat. But the owners of this home took the idea one step further, remodeling another part of the house to provide a Japanese-style soaking tub and a traditional tatami tea room.
Designer Catherine Gerry says one of the owners is Japanese and wanted to be able to enjoy the traditional bathing ritual at home.
"Although he wanted the rooms to have an Asian feel, the design needed to have a modern sensibility," she says. "The custom-made concrete tub is very simple, with just a couple of water jets – the owner didn't want all the bells and whistles of modern tubs."
As the bath is a place to soak, not wash, the room also has a simple concrete bench with a shower, and a Japanese wooden bucket, ladle and stool. The traditional elements extend to the way the tub is filled – by a custom-designed waterfall spout.
"It was important that the tub could be filled to overflowing, so the limestone floor tiles incorporate precision laser-cut slots that provide a drain right around the tub," says Gerry.
The Japanese influence is also evident in the grass blinds, shoji screen doors and the tatami tea room. A slightly elevated platform around the edge of the room ensures the mats sit firmly in the center.
The master suite on the upper level features a similarly tranquil bathroom, notable for its watery glass wall tiles and bamboo wood cabinets.
Just like a traditional Japanese bath house, this spa room provides a soaking tub and separate wash facilities.
The soaking tub, which is made from concrete, can be filled so that it overflows. Precision laser-cut slots drain the water.
An adjoining tatami tea room heightens the sense of retreat.
The master bathroom was also remodeled and features a steam shower, glass tiles, limestone sinks and bamboo cabinets.
Credit List
Builder
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George Cuney Construction
Concrete soaking tub, waterfall spout and showering bench
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Custom designed by Catherine Gerry; fabricated by Dave Rogero Concreteworks East
Flooring and wall tiles in spa room
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Mediterranean Azul and Crema limestone from Ann Sacks Tile & Stone
Tatami room wallcoverings
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Loye & Derrickson
Wall tiles in master bathroom
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Waterworks
Sinks
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Capri limestone from Modern Age
Tub and shower fittings
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Dornbracht Tara
Shoji screens and doors
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Cherry Tree Design
Lighting
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Iris Lighting Systems; and The Lighting Center
Story by Colleen Hawkes
Photography by Todd Mason
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