Watercraft designer Max Zhivov has unveiled concept images of the ‘Tiny eco-hotel’ – an electric-powered houseboat geared for short-term travel on lakes and bays.

The miniature retreat, able to accommodate four people, will have two parts: a mooring building, which will be permanently anchored to the lakebed, and the boat itself.

The boat will comprise sleeping quarters, a bathroom, a kitchenette, and a sunbathing deck coated with sand, grass, and stones.

According to Zhivov, the hotel could also be equipped with “unmanned technology”.

Speaking on the project, he said: “The tourist going on his day trip can choose a point on the map on his smartphone through the application and travel to this point."

This feature, in addition to the vessel’s eco-friendly engine system, would help lodgers to avoid “spoiling communication with nature”.

“In our opinion,” explained Zhivov, “ecotourism is great and opens communication with nature. One can enjoy its silence, without harming it."

A specialist in green technologies in nautical design, Zhivov’s other notable projects include the Hydrohouse boat, and a variety of yachts, such as the Sun Catcher and the Black Iceberg.