Cork Dream Hive
Cork Dream Hive
An insulated, tree-cavity–inspired hive designed for year-round stability
The Cork Habitat Hive is a hive of my own design, developed through years of hands-on observation, modification, and close study of how bees respond to different materials and thermal conditions. It is inspired by the Warré hive format, but optimized to provide what I believe is an ideal, year-round habitat for bees.
This hive is built to replicate the insulation value of a natural tree cavity, supporting colony health in an era of increasing temperature extremes and volatility.
Construction & Insulation
Wall Assembly:
2 inches of cork insulation
1 inch of Western red cedar
Total R-value: ~9, equivalent to a natural tree cavity
Thermal Performance:
No additional winter insulation required
Designed to maintain a stable internal temperature year-round
Supports bees during extreme cold, heat waves, and rapid temperature fluctuations associated with climate change
Interior Surface:
Cork’s naturally rough texture encourages high levels of propolization, supporting hive hygiene and immune function
Hive Configuration
Boxes:
Includes 2 boxes
Designed to allow annual cycling out of old brood comb
Supports optional honey harvesting while prioritizing colony health
Bars:
Standard Warré top bars are fully transferable into this hive
Viewing Window:
Thoughtfully designed, fully insulated viewing window
Allows observation without compromising the hive’s thermal envelope
Additional Components
Bottom Board:
Same solid, thick, insulating bottom board design as the Redwood Warré Hive
Integrated landing pad and sloped entrance
Quilt Box:
Includes quilt box for moisture regulation and insulation buffering
Roof:
Gabled roof for long-term weather protection
Design Philosophy
This hive represents my dream design — a synthesis of traditional Warré principles, modern material science, and direct feedback from the bees themselves. It allows for:
Natural comb turnover and long-term hive health
Flexible management, from low-intervention stewardship to mindful honey harvest
An optimal habitat that prioritizes the bees’ biological and ecological needs
Extremely limited run: only 12 hives. Hives are currently in production. Full photos will be shared once builds are complete! Local Pick-up only from Onyx’s home in SE Portland (estimated timeline: March 2026).
Cork Dream Hive
An insulated, tree-cavity–inspired hive designed for year-round stability
The Cork Habitat Hive is a hive of my own design, developed through years of hands-on observation, modification, and close study of how bees respond to different materials and thermal conditions. It is inspired by the Warré hive format, but optimized to provide what I believe is an ideal, year-round habitat for bees.
This hive is built to replicate the insulation value of a natural tree cavity, supporting colony health in an era of increasing temperature extremes and volatility.
Construction & Insulation
Wall Assembly:
2 inches of cork insulation
1 inch of Western red cedar
Total R-value: ~9, equivalent to a natural tree cavity
Thermal Performance:
No additional winter insulation required
Designed to maintain a stable internal temperature year-round
Supports bees during extreme cold, heat waves, and rapid temperature fluctuations associated with climate change
Interior Surface:
Cork’s naturally rough texture encourages high levels of propolization, supporting hive hygiene and immune function
Hive Configuration
Boxes:
Includes 2 boxes
Designed to allow annual cycling out of old brood comb
Supports optional honey harvesting while prioritizing colony health
Bars:
Standard Warré top bars are fully transferable into this hive
Viewing Window:
Thoughtfully designed, fully insulated viewing window
Allows observation without compromising the hive’s thermal envelope
Additional Components
Bottom Board:
Same solid, thick, insulating bottom board design as the Redwood Warré Hive
Integrated landing pad and sloped entrance
Quilt Box:
Includes quilt box for moisture regulation and insulation buffering
Roof:
Gabled roof for long-term weather protection
Design Philosophy
This hive represents my dream design — a synthesis of traditional Warré principles, modern material science, and direct feedback from the bees themselves. It allows for:
Natural comb turnover and long-term hive health
Flexible management, from low-intervention stewardship to mindful honey harvest
An optimal habitat that prioritizes the bees’ biological and ecological needs
Extremely limited run: only 12 hives. Hives are currently in production. Full photos will be shared once builds are complete! Local Pick-up only from Onyx’s home in SE Portland (estimated timeline: March 2026).