The vessel pairs residential fitout, solar power and 800 litres each of freshwater and sullage with a 0.50-metre draught. Her hull pontoons are sized to ship in a 40-foot container.

The catamaran is being positioned between traditional houseboats, conventional residential accommodation and far more expensive motor yachts, for buyers who do not need a 25- or 30-knot boat.

“We are not suggesting that houseboats are going to solve the housing crisis, but I do think boats like [the new catamaran] can be part of a wider range of alternative accommodation, particularly where marina and waterfront infrastructure already exists,” Birgan told Baird Maritime.

Commercial applications include houseboat hire, marina accommodation, tourism, and BNB-style floating accommodation.