Japanese Spa Bathroom Remodel ? 2012 CotY Regional Award for Residential Bathrooms Over $60,000

Award Winners Before and After

This project has won the following awards:

• 2012 CotY (Contractor of the Year) Award for Residential Bathrooms Over $60,000

PROJECT SUMMARY:

This tranquil master bathroom awakens the spirit, soothes the senses and brings the ancient ritual of Japanese soaking to the modern environment of a young professional couple remodeling their whole home. Working within the existing space of the original master bathroom, the room was significantly reconfigured. The toilet/water closet room and shower space were merged, some windows were removed and some repositioned. The result is a bathroom that seems far more spacious and serene. The Japanese soaking tub is a central facet of the design. The wife is Japanese and it was particularly important to her to bring the custom of her heritage into the couple's new space. Japanese bathing differs from the American version in that the tub is used for much longer and more as a place of contemplation and reflection after getting fully clean in the separate shower. The tub contains no faucet as water is filled from the tub overflow. The new master bathroom is a peaceful retreat for a young couple looking to combine ancient tradition and modern style with an imaginative interpretation.

Back to Awards.

The original bathroom was bland and minimally functional. The back windows were kept in place during the remodel and the soaking tub area replaced the existing shower and alcove space.

Horizontal bamboo cabinetry adds plentiful organized storage to the room. The tall vertical cabinet contains a hamper on the bottom and space for linen storage above. The architectural lines throughout the room are clean and simple, while materials are rich with texture.

The Onyx vessel sinks in the significantly expanded new vanity area were discovered by the clients in a slab remnant yard. Earthy swirls in the marble countertop present a solid counterpoint to the pair of sinks set against a backdrop of cool glass tile in calming blue-green.

The bath area is given dramatic prominence in the new design. Because the tradition of Japanese soaking calls for long periods of relaxation time in the space, beautiful visual surroundings were essential to the clients.