ArkHive:
Flood-Resilient Infrastructure for Langstroth Apiaries
Prototype shown. Final production ArkHive design may vary.
What ArkHive Does
ArkHive is engineered to support hives weighing up to 400 pounds during normal use and to lift that load as floodwaters rise. Its cradled base, integrated hooking points, and included tie-down strap help keep the hive secured to the stand. The sloped top directs rainwater away from the hive while creating an open-air channel beneath the bottom board, helping provide airflow for screened bottom boards during hotter months.
Designed for Langstroth hives and everyday use
ArkHive works with familiar Langstroth hives and bottom boards, so beekeepers don't need to adopt an entirely new hive system. The 24-inch-tall stand helps keep the hive farther from rodents and skunks while providing a comfortable working height for routine hive management.
Flood Validation
During Hurricane Beryl, creek water rose 6 feet, lifting the ArkHive until it reached its maximum stops, which kept it secured to the anchor poles. Water ultimately rose above the ArkHive, stopping just below the bottom board.
Accessory-Ready Platform
ArkHive’s anchor poles can support magnetic mounts that keep essential tools within reach, and a clamp-mounted umbrella can be added for shaded hive inspections and improved field usability. These accessories are not included with ArkHive. An ArkHive-branded tie-down strap is included.
Flood Validation
During Hurricane Beryl, creek water rose approximately 6 feet at the test site, lifting the ArkHive until it reached its maximum stops and remained secured to the anchor poles. Floodwater ultimately rose beyond ArkHive’s maximum designed travel, stopping just below the hive’s bottom board, demonstrating both the severity of the event and the value of a buoyant hive platform.
Accessory-Ready Platform
Magnetic tool mounts and a clamp-mounted umbrella demonstrate how the anchor poles can support optional field accessories.
Hive Capacity & Configuration
ArkHive is designed to support a wide range of common 8-frame and 10-frame Langstroth hive configurations while maintaining a maximum working load of 400 pounds.
What Does a 400 lb Working Load Look Like?
Actual hive weight varies based on equipment, colony size, brood, and honey stores. The examples below illustrate common 8-frame and 10-frame Langstroth configurations within ArkHive’s working-load limit. Hive configurations must also remain within the usable height of the installed anchor poles.
10-Frame Hive Examples
2 Deeps + 3 Mediums
Approx. Weight: 365 lb · Approx. Height: 44⅛ in.
1 Deep + 5 Mediums
Approx. Weight: 385 lb · Approx. Height: 47¾ in.
2 Deeps + 2 Mediums + 2 Shallows
Approx. Weight: 390 lb · Approx. Height: 48⅞ in.
2 Deeps + 4 Shallows
Approx. Weight: 360 lb · Approx. Height: 47 in.
1 Deep + 1 Medium + 5 Shallows
Approx. Weight: 365 lb · Approx. Height: 49 11/16 in.
8-Frame Hive Examples
2 Deeps + 3 Mediums
Approx. Weight: 335 lb · Approx. Height: 44⅛ in.
1 Deep + 5 Mediums
Approx. Weight: 370 lb · Approx. Height: 47¾ in.
2 Deeps + 3 Mediums + 1 Shallow
Approx. Weight: 370 lb · Approx. Height: 49 13/16 in.
2 Deeps + 4 Shallows
Approx. Weight: 310 lb · Approx. Height: 47 in.
1 Deep + 1 Medium + 5 Shallows
Approx. Weight: 325 lb · Approx. Height: 49 11/16 in.
About these examples: Approximate weights include one bottom board, one metal queen excluder, one inner cover, and one telescoping outer cover. Brood boxes assume fully drawn frames loaded with brood, honey, bee bread, and a strong colony of bees. Honey supers assume fully capped frames of honey. Actual hive weights will vary.