How to build the structure ?
Step 1 : the blueprint
Once you’ve selected your design, draw a simple blueprint. For instance this 8 cell design with 0,6' thick planks. Please see the detailed building process below.
The depth of the cells should be about 6' to allow for the installation of 5' stems.
Very important : the roof will need to stick out at least 2-4' to really protect against the rain!
Very important : the roof will need to stick out at least 2-4' to really protect against the rain!
Step 2 : choosing the wood
Prefer reclaimed wood (leftovers from other projects) that you can plane and/or sand to restore its original appearance. For a basic hotel, you can recycle a case of wine.
Be careful if you’re using pallets : some of them are treated against insects.
Be careful if you’re using pallets : some of them are treated against insects.
Do not use larch or Douglas Fir which are naturally insectophages, nor of course Autoclave treated wood.
Like us, you can opt for untreated pine certified from sustainable forests (usually cheap).
Like us, you can opt for untreated pine certified from sustainable forests (usually cheap).
Step 3 : cutting it
Start by sawing the base on which you will apply your blueprint, be sure to account for wall thickness in the next steps and cuts.
Sand your fields to avoid splinters!
Sand your fields to avoid splinters!
Step 4 : the assembly
Fastening boards to other boards allows for a variety of assembly techniques: nails, screws, pins, glue, tongue and groove, dovetail, etc.
For this design we used self-drilling stainless steel screws for the hidden parts, and glued pins for the visible parts. It's just a matter of aesthetics.
For this design we used self-drilling stainless steel screws for the hidden parts, and glued pins for the visible parts. It's just a matter of aesthetics.
Do a dry run (ie not a fixed assembly) to check the adjustments. Cells must be properly partitioned to avoid neighborhood problems!
Step 5 : treating the wood
If like us you picked untreated pine, you can protect it with an external stain in a liquid form (the solvent needs to be water). The picture shows a light oak stain.
As you’ve probably guessed, you cannot use any anti-insect products!
You have a lot a options regarding the cover and the seal (mini roof): shingle (roofing felt), zinc sheet, tiles, shingles or slate, slates, UV resistant stain, etc.
As you’ve probably guessed, you cannot use any anti-insect products!
You have a lot a options regarding the cover and the seal (mini roof): shingle (roofing felt), zinc sheet, tiles, shingles or slate, slates, UV resistant stain, etc.
Your structure is now complete. You will now be able to move on to picking your insects, which will determine your choice of filling for the cells...
