diff --git a/drizzle/0001_sturdy_mysterio.sql b/drizzle/0001_sturdy_mysterio.sql
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..914e75d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/drizzle/0001_sturdy_mysterio.sql
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+ALTER TABLE `projects` ADD `strand` text DEFAULT 'A' NOT NULL;
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/drizzle/meta/0001_snapshot.json b/drizzle/meta/0001_snapshot.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8760b19
--- /dev/null
+++ b/drizzle/meta/0001_snapshot.json
@@ -0,0 +1,568 @@
+{
+  "version": "6",
+  "dialect": "sqlite",
+  "id": "037869a7-f3d4-43e6-802c-df7619bf4e3e",
+  "prevId": "4743e43c-8793-465c-9bd5-2e1c50f54396",
+  "tables": {
+    "post_tags": {
+      "name": "post_tags",
+      "columns": {
+        "post_id": {
+          "name": "post_id",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false
+        },
+        "tag_id": {
+          "name": "tag_id",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false
+        }
+      },
+      "indexes": {},
+      "foreignKeys": {
+        "post_tags_post_id_posts_id_fk": {
+          "name": "post_tags_post_id_posts_id_fk",
+          "tableFrom": "post_tags",
+          "tableTo": "posts",
+          "columnsFrom": [
+            "post_id"
+          ],
+          "columnsTo": [
+            "id"
+          ],
+          "onDelete": "cascade",
+          "onUpdate": "no action"
+        },
+        "post_tags_tag_id_tags_id_fk": {
+          "name": "post_tags_tag_id_tags_id_fk",
+          "tableFrom": "post_tags",
+          "tableTo": "tags",
+          "columnsFrom": [
+            "tag_id"
+          ],
+          "columnsTo": [
+            "id"
+          ],
+          "onDelete": "cascade",
+          "onUpdate": "no action"
+        }
+      },
+      "compositePrimaryKeys": {
+        "post_tags_post_id_tag_id_pk": {
+          "columns": [
+            "post_id",
+            "tag_id"
+          ],
+          "name": "post_tags_post_id_tag_id_pk"
+        }
+      },
+      "uniqueConstraints": {},
+      "checkConstraints": {}
+    },
+    "posts": {
+      "name": "posts",
+      "columns": {
+        "id": {
+          "name": "id",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": true,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false
+        },
+        "slug": {
+          "name": "slug",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false
+        },
+        "title": {
+          "name": "title",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false
+        },
+        "summary": {
+          "name": "summary",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false,
+          "default": "''"
+        },
+        "body_md": {
+          "name": "body_md",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false
+        },
+        "author_id": {
+          "name": "author_id",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": false,
+          "autoincrement": false
+        },
+        "published_at": {
+          "name": "published_at",
+          "type": "integer",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": false,
+          "autoincrement": false
+        },
+        "created_at": {
+          "name": "created_at",
+          "type": "integer",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false,
+          "default": "(unixepoch())"
+        },
+        "updated_at": {
+          "name": "updated_at",
+          "type": "integer",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false,
+          "default": "(unixepoch())"
+        }
+      },
+      "indexes": {
+        "posts_slug_unique": {
+          "name": "posts_slug_unique",
+          "columns": [
+            "slug"
+          ],
+          "isUnique": true
+        }
+      },
+      "foreignKeys": {
+        "posts_author_id_users_id_fk": {
+          "name": "posts_author_id_users_id_fk",
+          "tableFrom": "posts",
+          "tableTo": "users",
+          "columnsFrom": [
+            "author_id"
+          ],
+          "columnsTo": [
+            "id"
+          ],
+          "onDelete": "set null",
+          "onUpdate": "no action"
+        }
+      },
+      "compositePrimaryKeys": {},
+      "uniqueConstraints": {},
+      "checkConstraints": {}
+    },
+    "project_links": {
+      "name": "project_links",
+      "columns": {
+        "id": {
+          "name": "id",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": true,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false
+        },
+        "project_id": {
+          "name": "project_id",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false
+        },
+        "kind": {
+          "name": "kind",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false
+        },
+        "label": {
+          "name": "label",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false
+        },
+        "url": {
+          "name": "url",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false
+        },
+        "position": {
+          "name": "position",
+          "type": "integer",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false,
+          "default": 0
+        }
+      },
+      "indexes": {},
+      "foreignKeys": {
+        "project_links_project_id_projects_id_fk": {
+          "name": "project_links_project_id_projects_id_fk",
+          "tableFrom": "project_links",
+          "tableTo": "projects",
+          "columnsFrom": [
+            "project_id"
+          ],
+          "columnsTo": [
+            "id"
+          ],
+          "onDelete": "cascade",
+          "onUpdate": "no action"
+        }
+      },
+      "compositePrimaryKeys": {},
+      "uniqueConstraints": {},
+      "checkConstraints": {}
+    },
+    "project_tags": {
+      "name": "project_tags",
+      "columns": {
+        "project_id": {
+          "name": "project_id",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false
+        },
+        "tag_id": {
+          "name": "tag_id",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false
+        }
+      },
+      "indexes": {},
+      "foreignKeys": {
+        "project_tags_project_id_projects_id_fk": {
+          "name": "project_tags_project_id_projects_id_fk",
+          "tableFrom": "project_tags",
+          "tableTo": "projects",
+          "columnsFrom": [
+            "project_id"
+          ],
+          "columnsTo": [
+            "id"
+          ],
+          "onDelete": "cascade",
+          "onUpdate": "no action"
+        },
+        "project_tags_tag_id_tags_id_fk": {
+          "name": "project_tags_tag_id_tags_id_fk",
+          "tableFrom": "project_tags",
+          "tableTo": "tags",
+          "columnsFrom": [
+            "tag_id"
+          ],
+          "columnsTo": [
+            "id"
+          ],
+          "onDelete": "cascade",
+          "onUpdate": "no action"
+        }
+      },
+      "compositePrimaryKeys": {
+        "project_tags_project_id_tag_id_pk": {
+          "columns": [
+            "project_id",
+            "tag_id"
+          ],
+          "name": "project_tags_project_id_tag_id_pk"
+        }
+      },
+      "uniqueConstraints": {},
+      "checkConstraints": {}
+    },
+    "projects": {
+      "name": "projects",
+      "columns": {
+        "id": {
+          "name": "id",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": true,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false
+        },
+        "slug": {
+          "name": "slug",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false
+        },
+        "title": {
+          "name": "title",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false
+        },
+        "summary": {
+          "name": "summary",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false
+        },
+        "body_md": {
+          "name": "body_md",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false,
+          "default": "''"
+        },
+        "cover_url": {
+          "name": "cover_url",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": false,
+          "autoincrement": false
+        },
+        "strand": {
+          "name": "strand",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false,
+          "default": "'A'"
+        },
+        "author_id": {
+          "name": "author_id",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": false,
+          "autoincrement": false
+        },
+        "status": {
+          "name": "status",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false,
+          "default": "'published'"
+        },
+        "created_at": {
+          "name": "created_at",
+          "type": "integer",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false,
+          "default": "(unixepoch())"
+        },
+        "updated_at": {
+          "name": "updated_at",
+          "type": "integer",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false,
+          "default": "(unixepoch())"
+        }
+      },
+      "indexes": {
+        "projects_slug_unique": {
+          "name": "projects_slug_unique",
+          "columns": [
+            "slug"
+          ],
+          "isUnique": true
+        }
+      },
+      "foreignKeys": {
+        "projects_author_id_users_id_fk": {
+          "name": "projects_author_id_users_id_fk",
+          "tableFrom": "projects",
+          "tableTo": "users",
+          "columnsFrom": [
+            "author_id"
+          ],
+          "columnsTo": [
+            "id"
+          ],
+          "onDelete": "set null",
+          "onUpdate": "no action"
+        }
+      },
+      "compositePrimaryKeys": {},
+      "uniqueConstraints": {},
+      "checkConstraints": {}
+    },
+    "sessions": {
+      "name": "sessions",
+      "columns": {
+        "id": {
+          "name": "id",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": true,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false
+        },
+        "user_id": {
+          "name": "user_id",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false
+        },
+        "expires_at": {
+          "name": "expires_at",
+          "type": "integer",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false
+        }
+      },
+      "indexes": {},
+      "foreignKeys": {
+        "sessions_user_id_users_id_fk": {
+          "name": "sessions_user_id_users_id_fk",
+          "tableFrom": "sessions",
+          "tableTo": "users",
+          "columnsFrom": [
+            "user_id"
+          ],
+          "columnsTo": [
+            "id"
+          ],
+          "onDelete": "cascade",
+          "onUpdate": "no action"
+        }
+      },
+      "compositePrimaryKeys": {},
+      "uniqueConstraints": {},
+      "checkConstraints": {}
+    },
+    "tags": {
+      "name": "tags",
+      "columns": {
+        "id": {
+          "name": "id",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": true,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false
+        },
+        "name": {
+          "name": "name",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false
+        }
+      },
+      "indexes": {
+        "tags_name_unique": {
+          "name": "tags_name_unique",
+          "columns": [
+            "name"
+          ],
+          "isUnique": true
+        }
+      },
+      "foreignKeys": {},
+      "compositePrimaryKeys": {},
+      "uniqueConstraints": {},
+      "checkConstraints": {}
+    },
+    "users": {
+      "name": "users",
+      "columns": {
+        "id": {
+          "name": "id",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": true,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false
+        },
+        "gitea_id": {
+          "name": "gitea_id",
+          "type": "integer",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false
+        },
+        "username": {
+          "name": "username",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false
+        },
+        "name": {
+          "name": "name",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": false,
+          "autoincrement": false
+        },
+        "email": {
+          "name": "email",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": false,
+          "autoincrement": false
+        },
+        "avatar_url": {
+          "name": "avatar_url",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": false,
+          "autoincrement": false
+        },
+        "role": {
+          "name": "role",
+          "type": "text",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false,
+          "default": "'editor'"
+        },
+        "created_at": {
+          "name": "created_at",
+          "type": "integer",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "autoincrement": false,
+          "default": "(unixepoch())"
+        }
+      },
+      "indexes": {
+        "users_gitea_id_unique": {
+          "name": "users_gitea_id_unique",
+          "columns": [
+            "gitea_id"
+          ],
+          "isUnique": true
+        }
+      },
+      "foreignKeys": {},
+      "compositePrimaryKeys": {},
+      "uniqueConstraints": {},
+      "checkConstraints": {}
+    }
+  },
+  "views": {},
+  "enums": {},
+  "_meta": {
+    "schemas": {},
+    "tables": {},
+    "columns": {}
+  },
+  "internal": {
+    "indexes": {}
+  }
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/drizzle/meta/_journal.json b/drizzle/meta/_journal.json
index 79b4849..a31cb0c 100644
--- a/drizzle/meta/_journal.json
+++ b/drizzle/meta/_journal.json
@@ -8,6 +8,13 @@
       "when": 1779267485591,
       "tag": "0000_giant_mother_askani",
       "breakpoints": true
+    },
+    {
+      "idx": 1,
+      "version": "6",
+      "when": 1779268639045,
+      "tag": "0001_sturdy_mysterio",
+      "breakpoints": true
     }
   ]
 }
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/scripts/seed.js b/scripts/seed.js
index 8b623d3..ddd69f4 100644
--- a/scripts/seed.js
+++ b/scripts/seed.js
@@ -36,6 +36,7 @@ const projects = [
       '- Used at Waterschap Brabantse Delta for plant simulation and live control'
     ].join('\n'),
     cover_url: null,
+    strand: 'A',
     status: 'published'
   },
   {
@@ -52,7 +53,7 @@ const projects = [
       '## Stack',
       '',
       '- **SvelteKit 2** + **Svelte 5** + TypeScript',
-      '- **Tailwind v4** (CSS-first design tokens)',
+      '- **Tailwind v3** + CSS-first design tokens',
       '- **SQLite** + **Drizzle ORM** — single-file, easy to back up',
       '- **Gitea OAuth** for authoring',
       '- Pure SVG + CSS for the helix animation — no WebGL',
@@ -62,6 +63,34 @@ const projects = [
       'Innovations were scattered: Gitea repos here, Grafana dashboards there, slide decks elsewhere. HELIX is the strand they share.'
     ].join('\n'),
     cover_url: null,
+    strand: 'A',
+    status: 'published'
+  },
+  {
+    id: 'prj_dna_scout',
+    slug: 'dna-scout',
+    title: 'DNA Scout',
+    summary:
+      'Experimental anomaly-detection prototype that fingerprints reactor telemetry. R&D scout, not yet plant-ready.',
+    body_md: [
+      '# DNA Scout',
+      '',
+      "An experimental innovation: build short \"fingerprints\" of reactor telemetry to spot anomalies before the operator does. Think of it as a sequence read on the plant's metabolism.",
+      '',
+      '## Status',
+      '',
+      "Prototype. Runs on bench data from one reactor at the WBD test site. Not production-ready — accuracy on overflow events is still 60-something percent.",
+      '',
+      '## Idea',
+      '',
+      '- Slide a 5-minute window across all telemetry channels',
+      '- Hash each window into a compact descriptor',
+      '- Cluster descriptors → anomalies fall outside the dense clusters',
+      '',
+      'Belongs on strand B (Innovation) — it might never ship, and that\'s fine. If it does, it graduates to a Project.'
+    ].join('\n'),
+    cover_url: null,
+    strand: 'B',
     status: 'published'
   }
 ];
@@ -113,9 +142,9 @@ const posts = [
 
 const insertProject = db.prepare(`
   INSERT OR IGNORE INTO projects
-    (id, slug, title, summary, body_md, cover_url, author_id, status, created_at, updated_at)
+    (id, slug, title, summary, body_md, cover_url, strand, author_id, status, created_at, updated_at)
   VALUES
-    (@id, @slug, @title, @summary, @body_md, @cover_url, NULL, @status, ${now}, ${now})
+    (@id, @slug, @title, @summary, @body_md, @cover_url, @strand, NULL, @status, ${now}, ${now})
 `);
 const insertLink = db.prepare(`
   INSERT OR IGNORE INTO project_links
diff --git a/src/lib/components/VerticalHelix.svelte b/src/lib/components/VerticalHelix.svelte
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..80f5385
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/components/VerticalHelix.svelte
@@ -0,0 +1,427 @@
+<script lang="ts">
+  /**
+   * Vertical DNA helix where each project binds to a slot on a strand.
+   *
+   * Strand A = Projects   (durable / in-production)
+   * Strand B = Innovations (experiments / prototypes / scouts)
+   *
+   * Each project sits at slot Y = TOP_PAD + i * SLOT_HEIGHT, at the
+   * instantaneous x of its strand. Card sits on whichever side the node is.
+   * Strand colour + badge encode strand identity regardless of L/R position.
+   *
+   * Animation: gradient stops drift along the strands + node pulse.
+   * The strand geometry itself is static — keeps project anchors stable.
+   */
+
+  type StrandProject = {
+    slug: string;
+    title: string;
+    summary: string;
+    strand: 'A' | 'B';
+    coverUrl: string | null;
+  };
+
+  let { projects }: { projects: StrandProject[] } = $props();
+
+  // Geometry constants (user-space units)
+  const W = 1000;
+  const CX = W / 2;
+  const AMP = 140;
+  const TOP_PAD = 120;
+  const BOTTOM_PAD = 120;
+  const SLOT_HEIGHT = 240;
+
+  const PERIOD = SLOT_HEIGHT * 2;
+  const k = (2 * Math.PI) / PERIOD;
+
+  type Rung = { y: number; x1: number; x2: number; depth: number; aFront: boolean };
+  type Slot = {
+    project: StrandProject;
+    index: number;
+    y: number;
+    nodeX: number;
+    side: 'left' | 'right';
+  };
+
+  const H = $derived(TOP_PAD + Math.max(1, projects.length) * SLOT_HEIGHT + BOTTOM_PAD);
+
+  const strandA = $derived.by(() => {
+    const steps = Math.max(80, Math.floor(H / 4));
+    const parts: string[] = [];
+    for (let i = 0; i <= steps; i++) {
+      const y = (H / steps) * i;
+      const x = CX + AMP * Math.sin(k * y);
+      parts.push(`${i === 0 ? 'M' : 'L'}${x.toFixed(2)} ${y.toFixed(2)}`);
+    }
+    return parts.join(' ');
+  });
+
+  const strandB = $derived.by(() => {
+    const steps = Math.max(80, Math.floor(H / 4));
+    const parts: string[] = [];
+    for (let i = 0; i <= steps; i++) {
+      const y = (H / steps) * i;
+      const x = CX - AMP * Math.sin(k * y);
+      parts.push(`${i === 0 ? 'M' : 'L'}${x.toFixed(2)} ${y.toFixed(2)}`);
+    }
+    return parts.join(' ');
+  });
+
+  const rungs = $derived.by<Rung[]>(() => {
+    const out: Rung[] = [];
+    const RUNG_SPACING = 22;
+    for (let y = 0; y <= H; y += RUNG_SPACING) {
+      const sA = Math.sin(k * y);
+      out.push({
+        y,
+        x1: CX + AMP * sA,
+        x2: CX - AMP * sA,
+        depth: Math.abs(sA),
+        aFront: sA > 0
+      });
+    }
+    return out;
+  });
+
+  const slots = $derived<Slot[]>(
+    projects.map((p, i) => {
+      const y = TOP_PAD + i * SLOT_HEIGHT;
+      const sign = p.strand === 'A' ? 1 : -1;
+      const nodeX = CX + sign * AMP * Math.sin(k * y);
+      return {
+        project: p,
+        index: i,
+        y,
+        nodeX,
+        side: nodeX > CX ? 'right' : 'left'
+      };
+    })
+  );
+</script>
+
+<section
+  class="vhelix"
+  style:--vh-h="{H}px"
+  style:--vh-w="{W}px"
+  aria-label="Projects bound to the HELIX strands"
+>
+  <svg
+    class="vhelix-svg"
+    viewBox="0 0 {W} {H}"
+    preserveAspectRatio="xMidYMid meet"
+    aria-hidden="true"
+  >
+    <defs>
+      <linearGradient id="vstrand-a" x1="0" y1="0" x2="0" y2="1">
+        <stop offset="0%" stop-color="#0f52a5">
+          <animate attributeName="offset" values="-0.3;1.3" dur="18s" repeatCount="indefinite" />
+        </stop>
+        <stop offset="50%" stop-color="#0c99d9">
+          <animate attributeName="offset" values="0.0;1.6" dur="18s" repeatCount="indefinite" />
+        </stop>
+        <stop offset="100%" stop-color="#4dd0c2">
+          <animate attributeName="offset" values="0.3;1.9" dur="18s" repeatCount="indefinite" />
+        </stop>
+      </linearGradient>
+      <linearGradient id="vstrand-b" x1="0" y1="0" x2="0" y2="1">
+        <stop offset="0%" stop-color="#c084fc">
+          <animate attributeName="offset" values="-0.3;1.3" dur="22s" repeatCount="indefinite" />
+        </stop>
+        <stop offset="50%" stop-color="#7e6ce8">
+          <animate attributeName="offset" values="0.0;1.6" dur="22s" repeatCount="indefinite" />
+        </stop>
+        <stop offset="100%" stop-color="#50a8d9">
+          <animate attributeName="offset" values="0.3;1.9" dur="22s" repeatCount="indefinite" />
+        </stop>
+      </linearGradient>
+      <filter id="vhelix-glow" x="-10%" y="-2%" width="120%" height="104%">
+        <feGaussianBlur stdDeviation="4" result="b" />
+        <feMerge>
+          <feMergeNode in="b" />
+          <feMergeNode in="SourceGraphic" />
+        </feMerge>
+      </filter>
+      <filter id="vnode-glow" x="-200%" y="-200%" width="500%" height="500%">
+        <feGaussianBlur stdDeviation="6" />
+      </filter>
+    </defs>
+
+    <!-- Back rungs -->
+    {#each rungs as r}
+      {#if !r.aFront}
+        <line
+          x1={r.x1}
+          y1={r.y}
+          x2={r.x2}
+          y2={r.y}
+          stroke="#86bbdd"
+          stroke-opacity={0.08 + 0.32 * r.depth}
+          stroke-width={0.6 + 1.0 * r.depth}
+          stroke-linecap="round"
+        />
+      {/if}
+    {/each}
+
+    <!-- Strand B (back) -->
+    <path
+      d={strandB}
+      fill="none"
+      stroke="url(#vstrand-b)"
+      stroke-width="3.2"
+      stroke-linecap="round"
+      stroke-opacity="0.85"
+      filter="url(#vhelix-glow)"
+    />
+
+    <!-- Front rungs -->
+    {#each rungs as r}
+      {#if r.aFront}
+        <line
+          x1={r.x1}
+          y1={r.y}
+          x2={r.x2}
+          y2={r.y}
+          stroke="#a9daee"
+          stroke-opacity={0.15 + 0.50 * r.depth}
+          stroke-width={1.0 + 1.6 * r.depth}
+          stroke-linecap="round"
+        />
+      {/if}
+    {/each}
+
+    <!-- Strand A (front) -->
+    <path
+      d={strandA}
+      fill="none"
+      stroke="url(#vstrand-a)"
+      stroke-width="3.6"
+      stroke-linecap="round"
+      filter="url(#vhelix-glow)"
+    />
+
+    <!-- Project nodes -->
+    {#each slots as s}
+      <g class="vnode" data-strand={s.project.strand}>
+        <circle
+          cx={s.nodeX}
+          cy={s.y}
+          r="22"
+          fill={s.project.strand === 'A' ? '#0c99d9' : '#c084fc'}
+          fill-opacity="0.25"
+          filter="url(#vnode-glow)"
+          class="vnode-halo"
+        />
+        <circle
+          cx={s.nodeX}
+          cy={s.y}
+          r="12"
+          fill={s.project.strand === 'A' ? '#0c99d9' : '#c084fc'}
+        />
+        <circle cx={s.nodeX} cy={s.y} r="6" fill="#07111d" />
+        <circle
+          cx={s.nodeX}
+          cy={s.y}
+          r="3.5"
+          fill={s.project.strand === 'A' ? '#4dd0c2' : '#c084fc'}
+        />
+      </g>
+    {/each}
+
+    <!-- Connector lines from each node out to its card edge -->
+    {#each slots as s}
+      <line
+        x1={s.nodeX}
+        y1={s.y}
+        x2={s.side === 'right' ? W - 80 : 80}
+        y2={s.y}
+        stroke={s.project.strand === 'A' ? '#0c99d9' : '#c084fc'}
+        stroke-opacity="0.35"
+        stroke-width="1"
+        stroke-dasharray="2 4"
+      />
+    {/each}
+  </svg>
+
+  <!-- HTML card layer absolutely positioned over the SVG -->
+  <div class="vhelix-cards">
+    {#each slots as s}
+      <a
+        href="/projects/{s.project.slug}"
+        class="vcard side-{s.side} strand-{s.project.strand}"
+        style:top="{(s.y / H * 100).toFixed(2)}%"
+      >
+        <span class="badge">
+          <span class="dot" aria-hidden="true"></span>
+          {s.project.strand === 'A' ? 'Project' : 'Innovation'}
+        </span>
+        <h3>{s.project.title}</h3>
+        <p>{s.project.summary}</p>
+        <span class="cta">Open <span class="arrow">→</span></span>
+      </a>
+    {/each}
+  </div>
+</section>
+
+<style>
+  .vhelix {
+    position: relative;
+    width: 100%;
+    max-width: 1100px;
+    margin: 0 auto;
+    padding: 0 1rem;
+    height: var(--vh-h);
+  }
+
+  .vhelix-svg {
+    position: absolute;
+    inset: 0;
+    width: 100%;
+    height: 100%;
+    pointer-events: none;
+  }
+
+  .vhelix-cards {
+    position: relative;
+    width: 100%;
+    height: 100%;
+  }
+
+  .vcard {
+    position: absolute;
+    width: 280px;
+    max-width: calc(50% - 110px);
+    padding: 1rem 1.15rem 1.1rem;
+    border-radius: 12px;
+    background: color-mix(in oklab, var(--color-helix-bg-2) 90%, transparent);
+    border: 1px solid var(--color-helix-border);
+    backdrop-filter: blur(6px);
+    text-decoration: none;
+    color: inherit;
+    transform: translateY(-50%);
+    transition: border-color 200ms ease, background 200ms ease, transform 200ms ease;
+  }
+  .vcard:hover {
+    border-color: var(--card-accent);
+    background: var(--color-helix-bg-3);
+    transform: translateY(calc(-50% - 2px));
+  }
+  .vcard.side-right {
+    right: 1.5rem;
+    text-align: left;
+  }
+  .vcard.side-left {
+    left: 1.5rem;
+    text-align: left;
+  }
+
+  .vcard.strand-A {
+    --card-accent: var(--color-helix-process);
+    --card-accent-soft: rgba(12, 153, 217, 0.18);
+  }
+  .vcard.strand-B {
+    --card-accent: var(--color-helix-accent-2);
+    --card-accent-soft: rgba(192, 132, 252, 0.18);
+  }
+
+  .badge {
+    display: inline-flex;
+    align-items: center;
+    gap: 0.4rem;
+    font-family: var(--font-mono);
+    font-size: 0.68rem;
+    letter-spacing: 0.16em;
+    text-transform: uppercase;
+    color: var(--card-accent);
+    padding: 0.18rem 0.55rem;
+    border-radius: 999px;
+    background: var(--card-accent-soft);
+    margin-bottom: 0.6rem;
+  }
+  .badge .dot {
+    width: 6px;
+    height: 6px;
+    border-radius: 50%;
+    background: var(--card-accent);
+    box-shadow: 0 0 8px var(--card-accent);
+  }
+
+  .vcard h3 {
+    font-size: 1.1rem;
+    font-weight: 600;
+    letter-spacing: -0.01em;
+    margin: 0 0 0.35rem;
+  }
+  .vcard p {
+    color: var(--color-helix-ink-dim);
+    font-size: 0.92rem;
+    line-height: 1.5;
+    margin: 0 0 0.55rem;
+    display: -webkit-box;
+    -webkit-line-clamp: 3;
+    line-clamp: 3;
+    -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
+    overflow: hidden;
+  }
+  .cta {
+    color: var(--card-accent);
+    font-size: 0.85rem;
+    font-weight: 500;
+  }
+  .arrow {
+    display: inline-block;
+    transition: transform 200ms ease;
+  }
+  .vcard:hover .arrow {
+    transform: translateX(3px);
+  }
+
+  /* Node pulse (subtle "alive" feeling, no rotation) */
+  @media (prefers-reduced-motion: no-preference) {
+    :global(.vnode-halo) {
+      animation: vnode-pulse 3.5s ease-in-out infinite;
+      transform-box: fill-box;
+      transform-origin: center;
+    }
+  }
+  @keyframes vnode-pulse {
+    0%,
+    100% {
+      opacity: 0.6;
+      r: 22;
+    }
+    50% {
+      opacity: 1;
+      r: 28;
+    }
+  }
+
+  /* Mobile: helix becomes a thin centerline; cards stack full-width below each node */
+  @media (max-width: 760px) {
+    .vhelix {
+      height: auto;
+      min-height: 0;
+    }
+    .vhelix-svg {
+      display: none; /* hide the wide-helix SVG on narrow screens */
+    }
+    .vhelix-cards {
+      display: flex;
+      flex-direction: column;
+      gap: 1rem;
+      height: auto;
+      padding: 1rem 0;
+    }
+    .vcard {
+      position: relative;
+      top: auto !important;
+      right: auto !important;
+      left: auto !important;
+      width: 100%;
+      max-width: 100%;
+      transform: none;
+    }
+    .vcard:hover {
+      transform: none;
+    }
+  }
+</style>
diff --git a/src/lib/server/db/schema.ts b/src/lib/server/db/schema.ts
index 023563d..c227365 100644
--- a/src/lib/server/db/schema.ts
+++ b/src/lib/server/db/schema.ts
@@ -35,6 +35,12 @@ export const projects = sqliteTable('projects', {
   summary: text('summary').notNull(),
   bodyMd: text('body_md').notNull().default(''),
   coverUrl: text('cover_url'),
+  /**
+   * Strand the project binds to on the landing helix.
+   *   A = Project    (durable, in-production work — e.g. EVOLV)
+   *   B = Innovation (experiments, prototypes, scouts)
+   */
+  strand: text('strand', { enum: ['A', 'B'] }).notNull().default('A'),
   authorId: text('author_id').references(() => users.id, { onDelete: 'set null' }),
   status: text('status', { enum: ['draft', 'published'] })
     .notNull()
diff --git a/src/routes/+page.server.ts b/src/routes/+page.server.ts
index 94c3a9f..923513f 100644
--- a/src/routes/+page.server.ts
+++ b/src/routes/+page.server.ts
@@ -4,19 +4,26 @@ import { projects, posts } from '$lib/server/db/schema';
 import { desc, eq, isNotNull } from 'drizzle-orm';
 
 export const load: PageServerLoad = async () => {
-  const recentProjects = db
+  const helixProjects = db
     .select({
       slug: projects.slug,
       title: projects.title,
       summary: projects.summary,
+      strand: projects.strand,
       coverUrl: projects.coverUrl
     })
     .from(projects)
     .where(eq(projects.status, 'published'))
     .orderBy(desc(projects.updatedAt))
-    .limit(6)
+    .limit(12)
     .all();
 
+  const totalPublished = db
+    .select({ slug: projects.slug })
+    .from(projects)
+    .where(eq(projects.status, 'published'))
+    .all().length;
+
   const recentPosts = db
     .select({
       slug: posts.slug,
@@ -27,8 +34,13 @@ export const load: PageServerLoad = async () => {
     .from(posts)
     .where(isNotNull(posts.publishedAt))
     .orderBy(desc(posts.publishedAt))
-    .limit(5)
+    .limit(3)
     .all();
 
-  return { recentProjects, recentPosts };
+  return {
+    helixProjects,
+    totalPublished,
+    moreProjects: Math.max(0, totalPublished - helixProjects.length),
+    recentPosts
+  };
 };
diff --git a/src/routes/+page.svelte b/src/routes/+page.svelte
index f55d363..a9ab24f 100644
--- a/src/routes/+page.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/+page.svelte
@@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
 <script lang="ts">
-  import Helix from '$lib/components/Helix.svelte';
-  import ProjectCard from '$lib/components/ProjectCard.svelte';
+  import VerticalHelix from '$lib/components/VerticalHelix.svelte';
   import PostCard from '$lib/components/PostCard.svelte';
   import { SITE } from '$lib/config';
 
@@ -8,10 +7,6 @@
 </script>
 
 <section class="hero">
-  <div class="helix-layer">
-    <Helix />
-  </div>
-
   <div class="hero-content">
     <p class="eyebrow">R&amp;D · {SITE.organization}</p>
     <h1 class="title">
@@ -20,32 +15,49 @@
     <p class="tagline">{SITE.tagline}</p>
     <p class="lede">{SITE.description}</p>
 
-    <div class="cta-row">
-      <a href="/projects" class="cta primary">Explore projects <span class="arrow">→</span></a>
-      <a href="/posts" class="cta">Read updates</a>
+    <div class="legend">
+      <span class="leg-item">
+        <span class="leg-dot leg-a"></span>
+        <span><strong>Projects</strong> · durable, in-production</span>
+      </span>
+      <span class="leg-item">
+        <span class="leg-dot leg-b"></span>
+        <span><strong>Innovations</strong> · experiments &amp; prototypes</span>
+      </span>
     </div>
-  </div>
 
-  <div class="scroll-hint" aria-hidden="true">
-    <span>scroll</span>
-    <span class="bar"></span>
+    <div class="scroll-hint" aria-hidden="true">
+      <span>scroll</span>
+      <span class="bar"></span>
+    </div>
   </div>
 </section>
 
-<section class="band">
-  <header class="band-head">
-    <h2>Recent projects</h2>
-    <a href="/projects" class="more">All projects →</a>
-  </header>
-
-  {#if data.recentProjects.length === 0}
-    <p class="empty">No projects yet — be the first to <a href="/projects/new">add one</a>.</p>
-  {:else}
-    <div class="grid">
-      {#each data.recentProjects as p}
-        <ProjectCard project={p} />
-      {/each}
+<section class="helix-anchor">
+  {#if data.helixProjects.length === 0}
+    <div class="empty">
+      <h2>The strands are empty</h2>
+      <p>HELIX needs its first project. <a href="/projects/new">Add one →</a></p>
     </div>
+  {:else}
+    <header class="section-head">
+      <p class="eyebrow">On the strands</p>
+      <h2>Projects &amp; Innovations</h2>
+      <p class="lede">
+        Each entry below binds to one strand of the helix. {data.helixProjects.length}
+        of {data.totalPublished} showing &mdash; the most recently updated.
+      </p>
+    </header>
+
+    <VerticalHelix projects={data.helixProjects} />
+
+    {#if data.moreProjects > 0}
+      <div class="more-row">
+        <a href="/projects" class="more-link">
+          See all {data.totalPublished} projects <span class="arrow">→</span>
+        </a>
+      </div>
+    {/if}
   {/if}
 </section>
 
@@ -56,7 +68,9 @@
   </header>
 
   {#if data.recentPosts.length === 0}
-    <p class="empty">No posts yet — be the first to <a href="/posts/new">write one</a>.</p>
+    <p class="empty-line">
+      No posts yet — be the first to <a href="/posts/new">write one</a>.
+    </p>
   {:else}
     <div class="post-list">
       {#each data.recentPosts as p}
@@ -67,30 +81,23 @@
 </section>
 
 <style>
+  /* ---------- HERO ---------- */
   .hero {
     position: relative;
-    min-height: 78vh;
+    min-height: 60vh;
     display: grid;
     place-items: center;
+    padding: 5rem 1.5rem 3rem;
     overflow: hidden;
-    padding: 4rem 1.5rem 6rem;
   }
-  .helix-layer {
-    position: absolute;
-    inset: 0;
-    z-index: 0;
-    opacity: 0.85;
-  }
-  .helix-layer::after {
+  .hero::before {
     content: '';
     position: absolute;
     inset: 0;
-    background: radial-gradient(
-      900px 500px at 50% 65%,
-      rgba(7, 17, 29, 0.0),
-      rgba(7, 17, 29, 0.55) 60%,
-      rgba(7, 17, 29, 0.95) 100%
-    );
+    background:
+      radial-gradient(900px 600px at 50% 30%, rgba(12, 153, 217, 0.16), transparent 60%),
+      radial-gradient(700px 500px at 50% 80%, rgba(77, 208, 194, 0.10), transparent 60%);
+    pointer-events: none;
   }
   .hero-content {
     position: relative;
@@ -135,47 +142,42 @@
     color: var(--color-helix-ink-dim);
     line-height: 1.6;
   }
-  .cta-row {
+
+  .legend {
     margin-top: 2rem;
-    display: flex;
-    justify-content: center;
-    gap: 0.75rem;
-    flex-wrap: wrap;
-  }
-  .cta {
     display: inline-flex;
-    align-items: center;
-    gap: 0.5rem;
-    padding: 0.7rem 1.4rem;
-    border-radius: 10px;
-    border: 1px solid var(--color-helix-border);
+    flex-wrap: wrap;
+    gap: 1.5rem 2rem;
+    justify-content: center;
+    color: var(--color-helix-ink-dim);
+    font-size: 0.88rem;
+  }
+  .legend strong {
     color: var(--color-helix-ink);
-    text-decoration: none;
-    font-weight: 500;
-    transition: border-color 160ms ease, background 160ms ease, transform 160ms ease;
-  }
-  .cta:hover {
-    border-color: var(--color-helix-accent);
-    transform: translateY(-1px);
-  }
-  .cta.primary {
-    background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--color-helix-process), var(--color-helix-accent));
-    border-color: transparent;
-    color: var(--color-helix-bg);
     font-weight: 600;
   }
-  .cta.primary:hover {
-    box-shadow: 0 10px 30px -10px rgba(77, 208, 194, 0.55);
+  .leg-item {
+    display: inline-flex;
+    align-items: center;
+    gap: 0.55rem;
   }
-  .arrow {
-    transition: transform 200ms ease;
+  .leg-dot {
+    width: 10px;
+    height: 10px;
+    border-radius: 50%;
   }
-  .cta:hover .arrow {
-    transform: translateX(3px);
+  .leg-a {
+    background: var(--color-helix-process);
+    box-shadow: 0 0 10px var(--color-helix-process);
   }
+  .leg-b {
+    background: var(--color-helix-accent-2);
+    box-shadow: 0 0 10px var(--color-helix-accent-2);
+  }
+
   .scroll-hint {
     position: absolute;
-    bottom: 2rem;
+    bottom: -1.5rem;
     left: 50%;
     transform: translateX(-50%);
     display: flex;
@@ -206,8 +208,77 @@
     }
   }
 
+  /* ---------- HELIX SECTION ---------- */
+  .helix-anchor {
+    margin-top: 4rem;
+    padding: 0 1rem;
+  }
+  .section-head {
+    max-width: 720px;
+    margin: 0 auto 3rem;
+    padding: 0 1rem;
+    text-align: center;
+  }
+  .section-head h2 {
+    margin: 0.4rem 0 0.8rem;
+    font-size: clamp(1.8rem, 4vw, 2.5rem);
+    font-weight: 700;
+    letter-spacing: -0.02em;
+  }
+  .section-head .lede {
+    margin: 0 auto;
+    max-width: 560px;
+  }
+  .more-row {
+    margin-top: 2.5rem;
+    text-align: center;
+  }
+  .more-link {
+    display: inline-flex;
+    align-items: center;
+    gap: 0.5rem;
+    padding: 0.7rem 1.4rem;
+    border-radius: 10px;
+    border: 1px solid var(--color-helix-border);
+    color: var(--color-helix-ink);
+    text-decoration: none;
+    font-weight: 500;
+    transition: border-color 160ms ease, background 160ms ease;
+  }
+  .more-link:hover {
+    border-color: var(--color-helix-accent);
+    background: var(--color-helix-bg-2);
+  }
+  .more-link .arrow {
+    transition: transform 160ms ease;
+  }
+  .more-link:hover .arrow {
+    transform: translateX(3px);
+  }
+
+  .empty {
+    max-width: 540px;
+    margin: 4rem auto;
+    text-align: center;
+    padding: 3rem 2rem;
+    border: 1px dashed var(--color-helix-border);
+    border-radius: 14px;
+  }
+  .empty h2 {
+    font-size: 1.5rem;
+    font-weight: 600;
+    margin-bottom: 0.6rem;
+  }
+  .empty p {
+    color: var(--color-helix-ink-dim);
+  }
+  .empty a {
+    color: var(--color-helix-accent);
+  }
+
+  /* ---------- POSTS BAND ---------- */
   .band {
-    max-width: 1200px;
+    max-width: 900px;
     margin: 5rem auto 0;
     padding: 0 1.5rem;
   }
@@ -227,20 +298,15 @@
     text-decoration: none;
     font-size: 0.9rem;
   }
-  .grid {
-    display: grid;
-    gap: 1.25rem;
-    grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fill, minmax(280px, 1fr));
-  }
   .post-list {
     display: flex;
     flex-direction: column;
   }
-  .empty {
+  .empty-line {
     color: var(--color-helix-ink-dim);
     padding: 2rem 0;
   }
-  .empty a {
+  .empty-line a {
     color: var(--color-helix-accent);
   }
 </style>
diff --git a/src/routes/projects/new/+page.server.ts b/src/routes/projects/new/+page.server.ts
index 812ff17..853725e 100644
--- a/src/routes/projects/new/+page.server.ts
+++ b/src/routes/projects/new/+page.server.ts
@@ -19,8 +19,10 @@ export const actions: Actions = {
     const summary = (data.get('summary') ?? '').toString().trim();
     const bodyMd = (data.get('body_md') ?? '').toString();
     const coverUrl = (data.get('cover_url') ?? '').toString().trim() || null;
+    const strandRaw = (data.get('strand') ?? 'A').toString();
+    const strand: 'A' | 'B' = strandRaw === 'B' ? 'B' : 'A';
 
-    const values = { title, slug: slugRaw, summary, body_md: bodyMd, cover_url: coverUrl };
+    const values = { title, slug: slugRaw, summary, body_md: bodyMd, cover_url: coverUrl, strand };
 
     if (!locals.user) return fail(401, { error: 'Not authenticated', values });
     if (!title) return fail(400, { error: 'Title is required.', values });
@@ -57,6 +59,7 @@ export const actions: Actions = {
         summary,
         bodyMd,
         coverUrl,
+        strand,
         authorId: locals.user.id,
         status: 'published'
       })
diff --git a/src/routes/projects/new/+page.svelte b/src/routes/projects/new/+page.svelte
index 46f62fa..466e6a3 100644
--- a/src/routes/projects/new/+page.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/projects/new/+page.svelte
@@ -70,6 +70,41 @@
       />
     </label>
 
+    <fieldset class="strand">
+      <legend>Strand</legend>
+      <p class="help">
+        Which helix strand does this belong to? You can change it later.
+      </p>
+      <div class="strand-options">
+        <label class="strand-opt" class:checked={(form?.values?.strand ?? 'A') === 'A'}>
+          <input
+            type="radio"
+            name="strand"
+            value="A"
+            checked={(form?.values?.strand ?? 'A') === 'A'}
+          />
+          <span class="strand-mark strand-a" aria-hidden="true"></span>
+          <span class="strand-text">
+            <strong>Project</strong>
+            <em>Durable, in-production. Like EVOLV.</em>
+          </span>
+        </label>
+        <label class="strand-opt" class:checked={form?.values?.strand === 'B'}>
+          <input
+            type="radio"
+            name="strand"
+            value="B"
+            checked={form?.values?.strand === 'B'}
+          />
+          <span class="strand-mark strand-b" aria-hidden="true"></span>
+          <span class="strand-text">
+            <strong>Innovation</strong>
+            <em>Experiment, prototype, scout work.</em>
+          </span>
+        </label>
+      </div>
+    </fieldset>
+
     <label>
       <span>Cover image URL <em>(optional)</em></span>
       <input
@@ -286,6 +321,72 @@
   .submit:hover {
     background: var(--color-helix-area);
   }
+  fieldset.strand {
+    border: 1px solid var(--color-helix-border);
+    border-radius: 10px;
+    padding: 1rem 1.25rem 1.25rem;
+    background: var(--color-helix-bg-2);
+  }
+  .strand-options {
+    display: grid;
+    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
+    gap: 0.75rem;
+    margin-top: 0.5rem;
+  }
+  .strand-opt {
+    display: grid;
+    grid-template-columns: 14px 1fr;
+    gap: 0.7rem;
+    padding: 0.85rem 1rem;
+    border-radius: 10px;
+    border: 1px solid var(--color-helix-border);
+    background: var(--color-helix-bg);
+    cursor: pointer;
+    transition: border-color 160ms ease, background 160ms ease;
+    align-items: center;
+  }
+  .strand-opt:hover {
+    border-color: var(--color-helix-accent);
+  }
+  .strand-opt.checked {
+    border-color: var(--color-helix-accent);
+    background: var(--color-helix-bg-3);
+  }
+  .strand-opt input {
+    appearance: none;
+    width: 0;
+    height: 0;
+    padding: 0;
+    border: none;
+  }
+  .strand-mark {
+    width: 14px;
+    height: 14px;
+    border-radius: 50%;
+    box-shadow: 0 0 12px currentColor;
+  }
+  .strand-mark.strand-a {
+    background: var(--color-helix-process);
+    color: rgba(12, 153, 217, 0.5);
+  }
+  .strand-mark.strand-b {
+    background: var(--color-helix-accent-2);
+    color: rgba(192, 132, 252, 0.5);
+  }
+  .strand-text {
+    display: flex;
+    flex-direction: column;
+    gap: 0.1rem;
+  }
+  .strand-text strong {
+    font-weight: 600;
+  }
+  .strand-text em {
+    color: var(--color-helix-ink-faint);
+    font-style: normal;
+    font-size: 0.85rem;
+  }
+
   @media (max-width: 600px) {
     .link-row {
       grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr auto;
@@ -293,5 +394,8 @@
     .link-row select {
       grid-column: 1 / -1;
     }
+    .strand-options {
+      grid-template-columns: 1fr;
+    }
   }
 </style>