"Honey Supers" Kitchen

• For about a year I changed my home and to save on costs I'm renovating one floor at a time. as the existing kitchen was demolished and having to live in the new home I had to build a temporary kitchen that was economical but at the same time functional and pleasant.

Step 1:

At first I thought of using pallets that are structurally solid and easy to find but the result too sloppy was not good. So I decided to re-use parts of used beehives I had bought when I had time to dedicate myself to beekeeping, one of my passions.

Step 2: Design With Sketchup

The shape of the hive is well suited to the purpose because they are constructed to be stackable and have ideal dimensions.

As usual, when I have to "invent" something (take a look at my other projects in istructables) I started drawing with sketchup app to have a simulation and understand how much space I need. In this way I began to determine the number of drawers for tableware and tablecloths, wider cabinets for pots and other kitchen utensils, a worktop and some shelves to put the glasses and everything else.

Step 3: Wood Floor

I started covering the floor with oak wood 5 cm thick.

Step 4: Clean With Water Gun

After cleansing and disinfecting all the parts I found a pleasant thing. wood still smells of propolis and beeswax. (propolis is the disinfectant and antibiotic of bees and wax makes the wood waterproof, so I should not have mold in the future!)

Step 5: Start Building Drawers

I took some plywood tables from my favorite carpenter and after cutting them I made drawers. As a front I used a side of the box by cutting the nails with the saw for the iron without damaging the edges. As a guide for the drawers I screwed in the wooden slats inside.

A condition I imposed on it was to not damage or cut wood to preserve hives in case of reuse for other purposes and to keep as much as possible the original appearance.

Step 6: Cabinets

I used two or more "supers" to make cabinets for pots and other more voluminous cooking items.

Step 7: Assembling

After some plumbing work i arranged the beehive towers.

Step 8: Upper Part

I covered the wall with inner covers and i built more drawers by gluing some honey frames.

I covered the plane with oak wood and marble.

Step 9: Some Details

Thank for watching. Sorry but I did not take pictures step by step but I think the result is easy to understand given the simplicity.

Comments

[emrude]

You have done a great job putting together a special kitchen. The one thing you should be aware of is lead paint. The old hives I have from the 1980's tested positive for lead. The wear and tear of any part paint with lead base paint could somewhat be protected with a clear coating(varnish). Here in the states lead abatement is a big issue. I like your green color. Very clever recycling.

As far as a source of bee hive parts in the states, find a local beekeeping club and have them ask members if they have or know of anyone who has old hive parts they don't use. But be careful--beekeeping is a lot of fun, and you might just end up being a beekeeper.

[tiero]

Thank you so much for interest and for your advice about safety. Here in Italy lead paint is not so common but i’ll Make proper investigations.

Thank you also for your suggestions about sourcing of bee hives, will be apriciated by followers who want try.

I’m already a beekeeper. You’re right: lot of fun!

Best wishes

Tiero

[Alywolf]

I really enjoyed this. where can someone look for old been hives? I have not been interested in raising them myself so I have never looked.

[tiero]

hi madam.

Thanks for your interest.
but I have no idea where you can find it. In my country, many farmers also breed bees and it is not so difficult to find used hives. try to find some beekeeper close to your town or search on the internet. my advice is, however to try to breed this marvelous social insect before building a kitchen. After, as a teacher you can pass your experience to your student..

Best wishes

tiero