The Warré Hive comprises tiers of identical boxes fitted with top-bars, but no frames. Its essential design and usage features can be summarised as follows:
- hive-body box internal dimensions 300 x 300 x 210 mm with projecting handles on 2 opposing sides
- eight 24mm-wide top-bars resting in rebates in each box, spaced at of 36 mm centres (No frames)
- wax starter strips under each top-bar (No foundation)
- flat floor, notched with a 120mm wide entrance, alighting board
- coarse weave cloth covering the top-bars of the top box
- 100mm high’quilt’ box filled with straw, sawdust, wood shavings etc., retained with cloth
- gabled roof containing a ventilated ‘loft’ and separated from the quilt by a mouse-proof board