Nestled in the fjords near Tromsø, Norway, plans have been unveiled for a rare floating hotel – in the shape of a giant snowflake.

The floating ice crystal, known as the Krystall Hotel, will be rooted to the ground by an underwater concrete pillar. The aim of the structure is to be as self-sustaining as possible and have minimal impact on the environment, whilst offering an experience of 5-star luxury.

Headed up by Koen Olthuis, a Dutch architect, and Paul H.T.M Van De Camp, an experienced hotel manager, Dutch Docklands, a company specialising in floating structures, is behind the design. Olthuis’s Waterstudio.NL is also heavily involved with the project.

The 86-bedroom hotel, according to Dutch Docklands, has been designed to: “blend-in naturally with the ‘winter environment’ between the most beautiful fjords.” As well as the rooms, the structure will have a total diameter of 120m (394ft), conference spaces and spa and wellness facilities.

Guests will be able to view the elusive Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) through the glass roofs of their hotel rooms, as well as panoramic views out of a curtain wall of glass.

Construction on the structure is said to begin next year with an opening date of 2017. Dutch Docklands is also carrying out several other floating hospitality projects such as its Ocean Flower development in the Maldives.