Sønder Omme Prison Opens
16.01.2026
The official opening of Sønder Omme Prison marks the completion of a long-term architectural process. The new closed prison, built alongside with the existing open prison dating from 1933, increases the overall capacity to a total of 422 places, making Sønder Omme the largest prison in Denmark.
The new facility adds 200 inmate places and is situated adjacent to the open prison but will be operating as two independent facilities. The opening was officially conducted by Ina Eliasen, Director of the Danish Prison and Probation Service, and signifies the transition from construction to operation, as the prison enters a new phase of use.
Sustainability initiatives
In addition to climate optimization, Sønder Omme Prison has implemented eight further sustainability measures from the voluntary sustainability framework. These include resource-efficient nudging on the construction site, documentation of problematic substances, and indoor climate measurements showing excellent results well below regulatory threshold values. The project demonstrates how proactive sustainability initiatives in high-security construction can generate both measurable value and valuable knowledge for future projects, even as prisons are exempt from climate requirements from 2025.
A shared achievement
Alex Poulsen Architects has led the project from the very early planning stage until the full completion in close collaboration with Viborg Ingeniørerne, Henrik Eriksen, BARA-Land and COWI, the client, Danmarks Fængsler, as well as the main contractors KGH, Ivan Jacobsen and Sikom Danmark.
The completion of Sønder Omme Prison reflects a shared commitment to quality, responsibility, and long-term thinking.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all partners, collaborators, and colleagues who have contributed their time, knowledge, and dedication throughout the process, and whose shared efforts have shaped the realization of Sønder Omme Prison.
From vision to reality
What began more than five years ago as a shared ambition has gradually taken shape. Through a long and careful process of planning, design, project development, and construction, including a two-and-a-half-year building phase, the prison has become part of the heath landscape of Sønder Omme.
Spaces for everyday life
Throughout the project, the focus has been on creating environments that support both daily routines and longer-term perspectives. Visual openness, clear spatial organization, and proximity between shared functions encourage everyday interaction between staff and inmates, strengthening dynamic security and contributing to a respectful and well-functioning working environment.
Normalization has guided the architectural approach from the outset. Workshops, educational facilities, treatment spaces, and recreational areas support meaningful daily activities that reflect aspects of everyday life. Common spaces for gatherings, spiritual practices, and sports contribute to motivation, well-being, and preparation for life after release.
A biophilic architectural approach grounded in the native landscape
The surrounding heath landscape plays an active role in shaping the atmosphere of Sønder Omme Prison and forms the basis for both biophilic and trauma-sensitive design strategies.
Biophilic design principles are integrated through native vegetation, living hedges, optimized daylight, and a carefully balanced colour palette, supporting calm sensory experiences within a highly secured setting. Trauma-sensitive design is embedded through landscape continuity, visual openness, and a clear campus structure that establishes normalized and legible environments for everyday life and resocialization. Together with intuitive wayfinding and flexible spaces, these strategies balance security requirements with dignity and well-being, while supporting dynamic security and healthy relationships between inmates and staff.
