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The Modified Layens Hive with 2′ (50mm) insulation.

Here is a cutlist for materials if you wish to use 2" thick foam board insulation. Recently I was informed that 1/2" foam board insulation was unavailable in the UK. It was therefore requested that I rework these plans to accommodate the 2" insulation available there. I must say that I was thrilled to find out that some of our fellow keepers in the UK have noticed The Modified Layens Hive and wish to incorporate it into their apiaries.

At this point I have only adjusted the cutlist. Assembly will of course follow the same order but with the new sizes. I will soon update the entire plan page to include these modifications for those who wish to utilize the thicker insulation.

I believe the thicker walls will be an added benefit to the colony and at the same time, I would also be in favor of a thicker lid to allow for 4" of roof insulation above the colony. For a "condenser" hive to work properly, the top should be warmer than the walls. So with this in mind, I would advocate for an increase in roof insulation, if the walls are to be thicker.

Once again, many thanks to the Honey Bee Stewards in the UK for their interest, especially Mr. Paul B. who made this request.

** denoted changes to the original plans.

1/2 Plywood - untreated

3/4" plywood - untreated (Can substitute 1/2" if desired. Explanation in assembly instructions.)

1 - 2 x 8 x 10'**

1 - 1 x 6 x 16' - Treated**

1 - 4' x 8' x 3/8" Siding ("Smart panel siding")

2' of 1" PVC pipe

3" x 8' flashing

1 - 4' x 8' x 2" Insulation board (polystyrene) (50mm)**

#8 Hardware cloth - 1" x 12"

Wood glue (Titebond II)

Bubble wrap insulation

Roof metal 35" long x 26" wide**

10 - 1" roof metal screws

24" of 3/16" rope or 1/2" electrical pull tape

2 - Hinges

1 - Latch

Misc. fasteners - The ones I use are detailed in the assembly instructions.

M

Cut List:

**1/2" plywood - 2 pieces @ 18-7/16" x 20-1/4", 2 pieces @ 21-7/8" x 19-3/4".

**3/4" plywood - 1 piece @ 18-3/8" x 26-3/4". (this can be 2 pieces of 1/2" cut this size)

**3/8" siding - 2 pieces @ 26-7/8' wide x 21" tall, 2 pieces @ 19-3/16" wide x 21" tall.

**2 x 8 x 10" - rip into 2" wide strips. Cut 4 pieces @ 22-1/8", 4 @ 18-11/16" and 8 @ 17".

**1" PVC - 4 pieces @ 2-3/4" long.

1 x 6 x 16" treated - 2 pieces @ 28-1/4", 2 pieces @ 21-1/4" and 3 pieces @ 19-3/4".  Rip the remainder into 3/4" wide strips.

#8 Hardware cloth - 8 pieces 1" x 1-1/2".

Bubble wrap insulation - cut this during assembly.