The key idea in the design of the prison is to create a number of small sections which are easy to manage and control. These "small prisons within the prison" also makes the prison environment less institutionalized and intimidating. The smaller scale furthermore has the advantage of ensuring that the prison in its entirety fits more appropriately into the scale of the surrounding landscape. The new state prison in Horsens will become a state-of-the-art facility which successfully protects society against criminals without losing sight of the human being behind the crime.
The new prison has a building area of 22,000 m2 and is divided into three sections. These sections comprise two living units, an administration unit and three units for teaching and working. The prison also comprises a high security section with the same functions as a normal section. Other functions include sick quarters, a library, sports facilities, a small shop and a church. The unit reserved for visits include visiting rooms and apartments. The main administration facilities are located in the gatehouse which also comprises central technical systems and the main guardroom. Outside the perimeter wall facilities for prison staff will be built including changing rooms and sleeping quarters. Since the prison is being built on former farming land the project also includes a complete site development including all utilities and roads.