JAPANESE BATH IN PHILLY

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BATHROOM ADDITION

This is an addition I Completed in 2011 to the home I live in. The existing bathroom had rotted wood subfloor and framing.The joint did not exist , instead the person who built it used cinder blocks then laid the wood subfloor on top of them.

MOISTURE DAMAGE

Consequently the floor was spongy and eventually rotted from moisture wicking up the block and into the wood floor. The dirt floor crawlspace was not encapsulated with plastic. Which also contributed to the level of humidity and moisture rising up into the subfloor.I used a 12 mil plastic and brought it up the foundation wall to the underside edge of the joist then used adhesive and stapled .

INSULATION

The foundation wall was insulated with Foamular R-5 insulation made for below grade environment.In between the joist I installed R-20 Rockwool insulation. Rockwool does not absorb moisture.For the wall I used R-15 rock wool insulation.I applied R-30 rockwool insulation in the ceiling.Properly installed insulation for your home is the most important step you can take towards reducing the heating and cooling energy requirements of your home and conserving energy. Many options are available to you, such as fiberglass or rockwool batt, rigid or blown-in insulation.

RADIANT HEAT

Heating is supplied via under-floor radiant heat through 1/2" oxygen barrier pex tubing sandwiched between two 5/8" sub floors.

EXTERIOR WALLS

Exterior  wall are T-111 exterior grade sheathing protected with a custom made wood stain.

ARCHITECTURE

The design is influenced by Japanese bathrooms and the existing circulation from the kitchen where the door entering the bathroom is center forcing a division of the floor plan.On one side is the 34” deep soaking tub and shower contained in one room. No overflow is required for the tub since it will overflow into the shower.The other side is the toilet room with small sink, and changing/sink room with shelving.The sink vanity was designed and built by me. I used birch wood, sanded then sealed with marine grade polyurethane.Finished flooring is Kimona Silk 12x24 tile 65 gallon deep soaking tub was ordered from American Reinforced Plastics.Polished chrome Tiamo shower was ordered from Hudson Reed UK.Grohe Euro-disk II Roman Tub Filler handles the tub filling duties for the 65 gallon soaking tub.Toilet room  is completed with Toto toilet, and Barclay tina mini sink with Vigo single lever faucet..

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