This guide gives you detailed information about the individual parts needed to assemble the basic frame and other structural elements of the ArcCabin API cabin. In addition to a detailed description of the various frame/skeleton variants, you’ll also find information on calculating the material needed to assemble the cabin.
ArcCabin API is designed for CNC production (CNC router) from structural wooden boards measuring 2440mm x 1220mm x 18mm or 2500mm x 1250mm x 18mm.
Basic frame – rib
Each structural rib is made up of three layers, which, once joined together, form a single precise and stable unit. Three such ribs are needed for the ArcCabin api-cabin.
| Consumption: – 5x plywood 18mm (1250x2500mm), birch F/F – 4x plywood 18mm (1250x2500mm) |
Battens for joining the ribs
Battens 11 cm wide and 253 cm long are needed to join the ribs. The battens are placed along the inner perimeter of the frames into the prepared holes.
| Consumption: – 29 battens (11x300cm) |
Bottom cladding
On the underside, between the individual ribs, two boards measuring 1200×2238 mm are fastened to the connecting battens.
| Consumption: – 2 sheets of plywood 18mm (1250x2500mm), birch F/F |
Insulation
Floor insulation
10 cm thick PUR insulation panels are inserted between the connecting floor battens, filling the space between the battens and providing thermal insulation for the entire base. Each panel measures 1200x182mm.
| Consumption: 2x TOPDEK 022 PIR 100 (1200x2400mm) |
Arch insulation (side walls and roof)
PUR panels are inserted into the roof and side wall structure, precisely cut so they fit into the structure between the battens without gaps, forming a continuous insulation layer.
| Consumption: 5x TOPDEK 022 PIR 100 (1200x2400mm) |
Gable-end insulation
The gable-end insulation is inserted into aluminum profiles attached to the structure (see the Profiles section below). The PUR panel is precisely cut and already has the openings for the door, windows, and hive-frame entrances pre-cut.
| Consumption: 3x TOPDEK 022 PIR 100 (1200x2400mm) |
| Total insulation consumption: – 10x TOPDEK 022 PIR 100 (1200x2400mm) |
Floor
The whole floor is a single compact MDF panel. It has precise dimensions of 2038 × 2568 mm, so it covers the entire base of the structure in one piece, with no joints.
| Consumption: – 1x MDF (2038x2568mm) |
Profiles for mounting the gable ends, windows, and doors
The gable-end insulation is seated and firmly held in aluminum profiles (see the insulation section above). Aluminum profiles are also placed on the lower part of the structural ribs. This provides higher durability and long-term protection for the entire lower part of the structure.
| Consumption: – 30m of drywall CD profiles – 4m of drywall CD profile (door frame) |
Battens – securing the insulation
Boards are inserted into the milled openings in the insulation panels. These then act as a firm anchoring element, allowing the insulation panels to be reliably fastened to the structure.
| Consumption: – 7 battens (11x300cm) = 20m of battens |
Interior cladding
The entire interior cladding is made from bio-board, which creates a solid, durable, and aesthetically consistent interior surface. The material also adds to the rigidity of the structure and contributes to a pleasant microclimate inside the api-cabin.
Depending on preference, it’s also possible to choose a different material if it better suits the desired look, properties, or budget.
Walls and arch
| Consumption: 5x bio-board 19mm (1250x2500mm) |
Gable end with window
| Consumption: 1.5x bio-board 19mm (1250x2500mm) |
Gable end with door
| Consumption: 1.5x bio-board 19mm (1250x2500mm) |
| Total cladding consumption: – 8x bio-board 19mm (1250x2500mm) |
Windows
The windows are made as our own CNC parts, with an inner frame made of bio-board and an outer frame made of plywood. This makes them sturdy, dimensionally stable, and precisely flush with the cladding.
Window types — The large window is fitted with reclaimed glass, giving a clear and durable view. The smaller window is made of acrylic (plexiglass), which is lighter, safer, and suitable for smaller formats.
Option to choose your own windows — In addition to our CNC windows, there’s also the option to use your own windows. The structural design can be adapted to their dimensions and installation method.
| Consumption: -0.3 bio-board 19mm (1250x2500mm) – 0 to 1.25 sheets of plywood 18mm (1250x2500mm), birch F/F + reclaimed glass + acrylic (plexiglass) for the window frames (1m²) + cladding battens (offcuts) |
Door
For the entrance we used a reclaimed door, which we refurbished and fitted so that it matches the overall structure and look of the api-cabin.
Door casing (frame)
| Consumption: – 2 battens (11x300cm) = 6m of battens – reclaimed door |
Bituminous membrane and facade membrane (Tyvek)
Facade membrane — On the outside, the whole structure is covered with Tyvek facade membrane, which protects the structure against moisture and wind while allowing vapor to diffuse outward. The membrane forms the primary protective layer beneath the final cladding.
Roofing membrane — The roof uses a bituminous membrane, which provides a waterproof and durable top layer.
Walls and arch
Gable ends
| Consumption: – 20m² of Tyvek membrane – 2x Tyvek tape – 10m² bituminous membrane |
Battens – Exterior cladding
On the outside, the whole structure is clad with boards that cover both the Tyvek facade membrane and the bituminous roof membrane. The wooden cladding forms the final protective and aesthetic layer, unifies the building’s look, and protects the membranes from weather and mechanical stress.
Sides and roof
| Consumption: 67 battens (11cm) – 300 cm long |
Gable end with window and gable end with door
| Consumption: approx. 80m of battens = 28 battens (11cm) – 300 cm long |
| Total consumption: 95 battens (11cm) – 300 cm long |
Hive frames + tunnels
The ArcCabin api-cabin is equipped with three hive frames in frame size RM 39×24 cm. Each hive frame has its own tunnel built directly into the wall, giving the bees safe, natural access both inside and out. The whole system is designed to allow for easy maintenance and convenient disassembly.
It’s also possible to design and manufacture hive frames in a different frame size so they exactly match your beekeeping style and desired setup. The api-cabin’s structure can be adapted, both in dimensions and technically, to the hives, so you can choose the solution that best suits you.
| Consumption: – 2.5x bio-board 19mm (1250x2500mm) (=4.5x dual boards) – 0.5 sheets of plywood 18mm (1250x2500mm), birch F/F + mesh grilles (vents) and acrylic for the small windows |
Stands for the hive frames
Thanks to the stand, the hive is positioned at an optimal height and has guaranteed stability. Three stands are needed for the ArcCabin API.
| Consumption: – 1.5x plywood 18mm (1250x2500mm) |
Slat frame / Bed
Above the hive frames is a removable slat frame, on which the mattress is placed. The structure has integrated vents, so air from the hives can flow freely into the apitherapy space. This preserves the natural effect of the bee-scented air during rest.
| Consumption: – 2x bio-board 19mm (1250x2500mm) – 1x plywood 18mm (1250x2500mm) + mesh grilles (vents) |
Have questions or need help choosing? Write to us at info@zewaho.cz.
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