I built my observation hive Kenyan top bar style. It's made of thin plywood and glass from a broken window. One sloping wall is entirely glass. It's a very simple, easy design, but I had someone on hand to cut the glass for me. It's not quite finished. Wood glue and small nails to join plywood, silicone to join glass to wood.
The top bars are the same length as frames and the hive is as deep as a deep. It's as wide as two ten frame deeps side by side, so I can super it. I intend to operate it as a fully functioning hive.
Phil, I'm sure somebody's done a wireless router conversion that would suit your needs, if you don't mind copying their ideas. hackaday.com might be worth a look.
What's a vacuum box?