Warré Review

The roof and quilt box help to minimise heat loss through the top of the hive / make the thermal dynamics of the hive more similar to a hollow tree (where the trunk above the hollow would provide insulation).

The space in the hive can be increased by nadiring (i.e. adding new boxes under existing boxes as the existing boxes fill). This means less empty space in the hive, making it more thermally efficient (and thus simpler for the bees to control temperature / more likely to survive the more extreme temperatures).

The honey provides an insulating layer which aids the hive's temperature regulation.

Outside of equatorial regions, the brood naturally moves upwards into the honey supply during winter feeding. Thus having the honey above the brood avoids bees not finding their honey supply and starving during winter.

Instead of purchasing one, it's fairly simple to build your own at a fraction of the cost. Instructions are freely available online:

• http://warre.biobees.com/plans.htm
• https://thebeespace.net/2008/07/30/introduction-warre-beehive-construction-guide/