# Woven Wooden Bathtubs This Basket-Inspired Bathtub is Made from Thin Strips of Wood Veneer By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2016-01-27 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/strips-of-wood-veneer References: [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2016/01/27/otaku-bathtub-tal-engel-woven-wood/) & [talengel](http://www.talengel.com/) Israeli designer Tal Engel used [thin strips of wood veneer](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tropical-yoga-deck) to create a modern bathtub that resembles a decorative wooden basket. Made using traditional Asian boat-building techniques, this tub is both decorative and functional. The Otaku bath was made by weaving thin strips of white ash and maple veneer to create a large sheet. The wooden sheet was then pressed into a bathtub-shaped form with steam. Once dry, the tub was coated in layers of resin to keep the bath watertight. To give the bath a more modern silhouette, the tub was then mounted on a stylish steel frame. The strips of wooden veneer ultimately give the bathtub a [basket-like silhouette](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/basket-sculptures) that is similar to the bamboo baskets found in Asia. As Engle explains, he created the tub to "emphasise a unique relationship between sailing and bathing." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.9/10 - Popularity: 62% | Activity: 16% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Woven Wooden Bathtubs:** The trend of incorporating woven wooden elements into bathtub design creates a unique and visually appealing aesthetic that merges traditional craftsmanship with modern functionality. - **Asian-inspired Design:** The trend of utilizing traditional Asian design techniques in home fixtures like bathtubs offers a cultural fusion that resonates with consumers seeking unique and distinctive pieces. - **Creative Material Applications:** The trend of experimenting with unconventional materials, such as wood veneer, in bathtub construction opens doors for innovative and sustainable design solutions. ### Where This Applies - **Interior Design:** The interior design industry has the opportunity to take advantage of the woven wooden bathtub trend by offering clients unique and visually striking bathroom fixtures. - **Home Furnishings:** Home furnishings companies can tap into the demand for Asian-inspired design elements, including woven wooden bathtubs, to cater to consumers seeking distinctive, multicultural home decor. - **Architecture and Construction:** Architects and construction professionals can explore creative material applications, like wood veneer, in bathtub designs to offer clients sustainable and aesthetically pleasing options. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cedar Wood Soaking Tubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ofuro-bathtub.md) - [Japanese Snack Box-Inspired Bathtubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bento-starck-box.md) - [Removable Bathtub Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bathtrope.md) - [Off-Grid Wooden Hot Tubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/woodfired-hot-tubs.md) - [Malleable Removable Bathtubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bathtope.md) - [Wooden Structural Outdoor Bedes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hut-lounge-bed.md) - [Delicate Basket Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/basket-sculpture.md) - [Luxe Translucent Bathtubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lusso-amore-freestanding-resin-bath.md) - [Rustic Fire-Powered Hot Tubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/woodfired-hot-tub.md)