Castle House and Nottingham Trent University Launch Student Design Competition to Transform Rooftop Opposite Nottingham Castle
Castle House, a luxury self-catering townhouse located in the heart of Nottingham, has announced an exciting new collaboration with Nottingham Trent University (NTU), inviting students to take part in a design competition to create a unique, eco-friendly rooftop installation overlooking Nottingham Castle.
The competition is open to NTU students across a wide range of creative disciplines, including art and design, architecture, product design, fine art, interior design, fashion and textiles, visual arts and horticulture. The winning design will be commissioned and installed at Castle House, becoming a permanent or semi-permanent feature of the rooftop and part of the guest experience.
Set directly opposite Nottingham Castle, Castle House’s rooftop terrace offers panoramic views across the castle and city skyline. The project invites students to respond creatively to the space, the setting and Nottingham’s heritage, while placing sustainability at the heart of the design.
Design proposals should be environmentally responsible, visually striking and suitable for an outdoor hospitality setting. Students are encouraged to consider recycled or low-impact materials, longevity and durability, and how their design enhances the experience of guests using the rooftop for relaxation, socialising and celebration.
The installation may be sculptural, functional, interactive or experiential, and designs may also consider subtle screening or zoning within the rooftop space.
The competition offers a materials budget of up to £1,500, a £500 cash prize for the winner and full credit and recognition for the winning student or team, and valuable real-world portfolio experience. There is also potential for future collaborations with Castle House beyond the competition.
Speaking about the project, Abigail Lee, Sales & Marketing Manager for Castle House said:
“Castle House has always been about more than accommodation. This competition is an opportunity to support Nottingham’s emerging creative talent and create something meaningful that connects sustainability, place and design. We’re excited to see how students interpret the rooftop, the castle views and Nottingham’s rich history.”
Castle House has a long-standing connection to Nottingham’s heritage. Built in 1931 by renowned Nottingham architect Thomas Cecil Howitt, who also designed the iconic Nottingham Council House, the building has been carefully restored to preserve its original features while introducing contemporary luxury.
As part of the competition launch, NTU students are invited to attend a rooftop site visit at Castle House on Wednesday 11 February, from 2.30–4.30pm, where they can experience the space first-hand, discuss the brief and ask questions. Additional visits are available by appointment.
Beyond this project, Castle House hopes to build a longer-term relationship with Nottingham Trent University and its students, with the potential for the building to be used as a creative space for photography, fashion shoots, exhibitions and installations.
Further details about the competition, submission requirements and deadlines will be shared directly with NTU students.
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Posted on 06 February 2026
