Dezeen promotion: Young Architects Competitions is inviting architects and designers to come up with ideas for transforming the ruins of a medieval castle in Italy into a holiday destination.

The Castle Resort contest is organised by Young Architects Competitions (YAC) in collaboration with Marlegno – a company that develops sustainable housing – and the Italian Government Agency for State Property.

The ideas-based competition focuses on an abandoned fortress located in Roccamandolfi, a commune in the Italian region of Molise. The historical castle stands on top of a steep hill, towering over a cliff and the surrounding forests.

Entrants are invited to imagine ways to convert the medieval structure into contemporary accommodation, while also protecting its heritage.

Both professional and student architects and designers can enter the competition.

Projects will be judged by an international panel that includes Portuguese architect Eduardo Souto de Moura, Canadian architect Todd Saunders and French architect Alain Laurens.

Other judges making up the panel are Giorgio Palmucci, Lamberto Mancini, Edoardo Maggini, Giacomo Lombardi, Angelo Luigi Marchetti, Elena Mucelli and Remo Capitanio.

A total of €20,000 (approximately £17,186) in prize money will be awarded. The winner will receive €10,000 (£8,593), the runner-up gets €4,000 (£3,437) and the third prize is €2,000 (£17,186). Four gold honourable mentions will also receive €1,000 (£856) each.

Ten other finalists will receive an honourable mention, while an additional 30 finalists will be recognised by the jury for the quality of their design.

All material and guidelines for the competition can be downloaded from the YAC website. Entrants must then register and upload their project.

Registration opens 21 November 2016, and submissions are being accepted until 3 March 2017. Winners will be announced 10 April 2017.

Details about dates and prizes are listed below. For more information, visit the YAC website or contact the organisers.

Prizes:

First prize : €10,000
Second prize: €4,000
Third prize: €2,000
Four gold honourable mentions: €1,000
Ten honourable mentions
30 additional finalists

All the awarded proposals will be transmitted to architectural magazines and websites and will be hosted in international exhibitions. All the finalist proposals will be published on the Young Architects Competitions website.

Calendar:

21 November – 28 December 2016 early registrations
29 December 2016 – 31 January 2017 standard registration
1 – 28 February 2017 late registration
3 March 2017 material submission deadline
10 April 2017 results announcement