
As bathroom month comes to a close and we think ahead to Smallest, Coolest, here's a bathroom idea that maximizes a small space by combining the sink and the tub.

As bathroom month comes to a close and we think ahead to Smallest, Coolest, here's a bathroom idea that maximizes a small space by combining the sink and the tub.

It works by employing a removable sink insert that empties into the tub, which is in turn angled to help drainage. The lip of the tub, and thus the edge of the sink, is tall enough that it comes within range of the height of a standard sink basin, about 32".
The sink reminds us of tub covers we've seen in Japanese bathrooms. The design could also facilitate greywater use, if you use a mild, plant friendly hand soap.
Images: Yanko Design
Let's see... dark, damp, airless... I would imagine that the bottom of the tub gets real skanky after a while. Can you say used toothpaste and sputum? Eww!
view hejiranyc's profile
If you're bathing every day I would imagine that none of that stuff would build up. If you only bath every once in a while, yeah it would probably get nasty...
That style of bath tub is surprisingly comfortable though. I imagine using the toilet sink that is popular in Japan would be easier though.
view rierei's profile
Why? Why???
view pantzini's profile
While I think the sink/tub itself is clever - nobody is going to bathe in cold, used water...
view bepsf's profile
Guys, I don't think they intend for you to reuse the dirty sink water in your bath. The sink's water would rinse straight down the tub's drain when you wash your hands. You'd fill it with fresh water to take a bath.
view Molly Margarita's profile
I'll just say that things go in my sink, and down the drain of my sink, that I wouldn't want in my bathtub. I'll leave it at that.
view briankoenig's profile
Unless there is a hose from the sink drain directly to the tub drain, you will have to clean the tub every time you want to use it. Otherwise all the stuff that goes down the dink drain will be splashing around the bottom of the tub -- ewww!
Cute, but impractical.
view Mid-C Frank's profile
Molly--
I agree with you, but Danielle would have us believe otherwise with this statement:
"The design could also facilitate greywater use, if you use a mild, plant friendly hand soap."
view bepsf's profile
Dang. I'm looking at this going..."hmmm. cute. But I can see getting stuck in it."
view shari's profile
Hi bepsf â by facilitating greywater use, I meant what greywater is typically used for, such as watering plants, rinsing outdoor areas and equipment, et cetera â definitely not to take a bath in.
That part of the post could have been clearer, my apologies!
view Dani's profile
what is the SIZE of that thing? maybe some beer cans could fit in there but not me. i've seen soaking tubs that are larger.
view Kat1's profile
I think this would make sense for the occasional bather. If you have to wipe down the bathtub before taking a bath anyway, this would work fine.
view quercus's profile
I take a bath maybe twice a year - it's showers the rest of the time - so I could see how this might work, even if you did have to clean out the tub. They should make a version for the elderly with a door in front.
I'm sure you could run a pipe from the bottom of the sink to the bathtub drain, if there's not one already. Seems like that would be a pretty minimal hack.
view sunspot42's profile