Outbuildings
Soaking Tub Provides a Relaxing Escape
A run-down Nantucket, Massachusetts, shower house finds new life as a home for a Japanese soaking tub
After: Theroux’s meticulous research and planning, along with builder Kyle Snell’s craftsmanship, led to a transformation of the shower house. It went from an eyesore to one of the real gems on the property. “It’s a really great piece. You can go out there and sit in the tub, open the window and let your mind disappear somewhere,” Theroux says.
The challenges: With an external environment that includes a great amount of vegetation and water, it was important to find lumber and materials that would repel insects. The solution was cedar wood, which is known for being insect-resistant and incredibly durable.
Pergola: cedar; roof: red cedar shingles; exterior walls: white cedar shingles; interior walls: Port Orford cedar from Oregon; find outdoor structures for your yard
Pergola: cedar; roof: red cedar shingles; exterior walls: white cedar shingles; interior walls: Port Orford cedar from Oregon; find outdoor structures for your yard
Modern infrastructure: Another challenge was updating the building’s outdated infrastructure, including plumbing. “There were some old cold-water lines for the outdoor shower, but we had to run hot water to it,” Theroux says. Working off a trench from the main house, his team added conduits underground to supply hot and cold water. However, the infrastructure updates included more than just plumbing. A Wi-Fi system and speakers were also added to enhance the overall experience.
Landscaping: WingWorks Landscape
Landscaping: WingWorks Landscape
Inside, elegant materials and strong color selections provide a bold look.
Colors: “The paint is red, which represents passion in Japanese culture. The black represents mystery and power,” Theroux says.
Flooring: The flooring is oak that has been stained black. The entryway has an antique inlaid floor made from holly wood.
Windows and doors: Fontrick
Colors: “The paint is red, which represents passion in Japanese culture. The black represents mystery and power,” Theroux says.
Flooring: The flooring is oak that has been stained black. The entryway has an antique inlaid floor made from holly wood.
Windows and doors: Fontrick
Tub: As part of his research, Theroux discovered Zen Bathworks in Haines, Alaska, which builds custom Japanese tubs. This is a hinoki Onsen Ofuro tub, which Theroux calls “absolutely gorgeous.”
Woodwork: Theroux and Snell made creative use of the leftover Port Orford cedar by building storage shelves and outlet covers.
Shop for a Japanese soaking tub
Woodwork: Theroux and Snell made creative use of the leftover Port Orford cedar by building storage shelves and outlet covers.
Shop for a Japanese soaking tub
Ceiling: The grips and rafters are mahogany and were just one layer of a fairly complex ceiling and roof system. “To keep it weathertight, we had several layers of sheeting and Port Orford cedar, and plywood and red cedar shingles on top, and the pergola on top of that,” Snell says.
Despite the complexity, Snell believes the layered ceiling and roof element added to the overall artistry of the project. Snell admires the job Theroux did on that portion and “stayed in tune with the original Japanese architecture.”
Contractor: Kyle Snell in Nantucket, Massachusetts
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Despite the complexity, Snell believes the layered ceiling and roof element added to the overall artistry of the project. Snell admires the job Theroux did on that portion and “stayed in tune with the original Japanese architecture.”
Contractor: Kyle Snell in Nantucket, Massachusetts
More
Restorative Power of a Japanese Soaking Tub
Trending Now: 8 Outbuildings to Escape To
Soaking Tub at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple with adult children
Location: Nantucket, Massachusetts
Size: 49 square feet (4.6 square meters)
Designer: Stephen Theroux of Nantucket Architecture Group
The backstory: The homeowner and Nantucket Architecture Group have worked together for more than 10 years and have grown accustomed to collaborating on creative, one-of-a-kind ideas for this property, including a garage turned gym. For this project, the homeowner approached Stephen Theroux with a vision to convert an old, deteriorating shower house into a hut with a sophisticated Japanese soaking tub. “Let’s see what you can come up with” is what the homeowner told me, Theroux says.
The inspiration: Theroux went to work, researching Japanese architecture, design and color palettes. “The exterior style is from Japanese huts and houses,” he says. Overall, the look is intended to make a strong and bold statement.