HIIVE on Helping Bees Using 3D Printing

3D printing makes it possible to realize challenging design projects in a cost-effective and sustainable way. For architects and industrial designers in particular, this technology offers unimagined possibilities, with virtually no limits to creativity. And it doesn’t stop at fashion or architecture: 3D technologies are all around us, even in the wilderness, as can be seen with 3D printing startup HIIVE. This German company is using the power of 3D printing to provide a better home for bees, while respecting the environment and their needs. This is especially important when you consider the prevalence of Colony Collapse Disorder which has lead to a global decrease in bee populations. Considering the importance of bees to our own ecosystems, it is perhaps unsurprising that start-ups like HIIVE are dedicating themsleves to the creation of better, more suitable hives for bees. We spoke to Philip Potthast, one of the co-founders of HIIVE, about the mission and ambitions of this young company and learned more about these 3D printed hives.

3DN: Could you briefly introduce yourself and your connection to 3D printing?

My name is Philip Potthast, I am the co-founder of HIIVE. My background is in industrial design. In my work, I focus on how to use sustainable materials and recycled raw materials. 3D printing is a love-hate relationship for me as an industrial designer: on the one hand, 3D printing offers an incredible amount of possibilities in product development and helps to iteratively develop products. On the other hand, it can be very time-consuming and nerve-wracking if you don’t pay attention to all the details from the beginning.

Left: Philip Potthast (photo credits: HIIVE)

3DN: What about HIIVE, what is it and how did it come about?

HIIVE provides a better home for honey bees. HIIVE allows beekeepers to keep their bees in a more natural way by supporting the natural behavior of Apis Mellifera. Our bee house is made exclusively from recycled and natural materials. Throughout the development, the focus has been on a Human-Animal-Centered design. The result is an interplay between the demands that honeybees place on their habitat and the usability and ergonomics for beekeepers. Our mission is to create a natural and species-appropriate habitat for honey bees.