The Thrive Hive was designed and made by Tom Back when he was a student although he is not a beekeeper. Tom's new enterprise, Thumb Designs ( www.thumbdesigns.co.uk ) designs and makes speciality woodwork and furniture.

Listed at the Thumb Designs website are press comments about the Thrive Hive and also some striking examples of his other work.

He is a skilled woodworker so has produced a hive that may have considerable potential once a few beekeepers have contributed practical ideas.
Tom is keen to get help from beekeepers and to have someone try the hive with bees in it.
He realises that it is not a suitable design for maximising honey production but hopes that it may be of interest to hobby beekeepers not interested in intensive use.
The photos tell the story......

The body is made like a skep witha catenary curved shape but a woodenframe and top bars
 

Closer view showing the division board and the hinged lid.

The top bars in closer view - no gaps for bees between them.

Entrances in the end board and adjustable/removable legs for levelling, storage and transport.

The whole hive with its lid closed.  Sloping thatched roof !

This is a prototype and needs your input about improvements, possible problems and trials with bees.

Please contact Tom at www.thumbdesigns.co.uk