A pair of hexagonal-shaped wooden structures above a food market in Oslo, Norway is providing a home for around 160,000 bees while educating visitors on the importance of these pollinators and respecting the environment.

Known as The Vulkan Bigård (The Vulkan Beehive) project, the wooden beehives were installed on the rooftop of the Mathallen food market in 2014 by designers Snøhetta. The beehives are well-placed for the bees to get to nearby green spaces offering plenty of opportunities for pollination and honey production.

Drawing on the natural geometry of honeycomb, architects Snøhetta created the hexagonal-shaped wooden structures with hexagons throughout its facade. Two intersecting hexagonal volumes create the form, which were then adjusted in height and width to fit with the need of the beekeeper, Heier Du Rietz.

Keeping in line with the theme of bees, the team also used a honey-coloured wood in the creation of the wooden beehives. Honey collected from the hives is sold at the food market and is used by local businesses.

Rosa Medea is Life & Soul Magazine’s Chief. She writes about lifestyle including sustainable and green living. She also offers content services to businesses and individuals at Rosamedea.com