Plans for snowflake-shaped floating hotel in Norway

Netherlands-based Dutch Docklands has unveiled plans to build a new snowflake-shaped hotel off the coast of Tromso in northern Norway. The five-star hotel, named Krystall, will be based on the shape of an ice crystal, resembling a snowflake.

Designed by Waterstudio, the Krystall will have 86 rooms, conference rooms, a spa and wellness facilities. The hotel will have a glass roof, offering guests views of the northern lights.

Dutch architect and Waterstudio founder Koen Olthuis said: “The Northern Light is the main feature of the hotel. Without the light we would not have chosen this location on water. It is far enough away from disturbing city lights.”

The floating structure will be built in pieces at dry docks and will then be assembled on location. Olthuis said: “Different to any vessel, this hotel is floating real estate and will not move. The floating base is very big and, because of that, also very stable. The shape provides most of the stability, but additional
technology with dampers, springs and cables is used to take away any acceleration.

“Because it is floating, we do not have any impact on that location. We call it a scarless development. If you take it away after 100 years or so, it will not leave any physical footprint. That is the only way to bring development to such a precious and beautiful marine environment.”

According to Dutch Docklands, the floating hotel will be run by a five-star hotel operator and will open before Christmas 2016.