Danish Crown - Central abattoir in Horsens

More pictures from the project

Address: Østbirkvej 2, DK-8700 Horsens
Client: Danish Crown A.M.B.A.
Architect: Arkitema
Landscape: Arkitema
Engineers: COWI A/S
Technical guidance: Tano Food Consult A/S
Size: Approx. 78,300 m²
Construction: 2002-2004

To ensure that the production process and the architecture supported each other, a close partnership was instituted during the design phase between the advisors at all levels: architects, structural engineers, installation engineers, abattoir experts and process consultants.
This created harmony between the process layout, building and installations. The abattoir's character and expression reflects the client's needs and the requirements towards a modern bacon factory, with respect to hygiene, production conditions and animal welfare. Good working conditions have also been emphasised.
At the same time, intense work was performed on the design of the buildings and external installations to ensure that the entire complex forms an architectural whole and represents optimal facilities in relation to both its internal and external logistics.
Because of its size, the complex will be visible from the E-45 motorway as a distinctive and monumental element in the rolling landscape north-west of Horsens.
The complex is shaped by the outer delimitations and geometry of the individual production units. The many building volumes differ in their size and geometry, for which reason the facade material plays an important role in providing the development with a homogenous and harmonious expression.
Via the composition and materials, a simple and distinctive construction is achieved which enters into dialogue with the undulating forms of the landscape.
The production buildings, welfare zone and technical floor comprise the complex's main elements. The welfare zone in the centre of the complex forms its backbone, uniting the buildings in an integrated composition.
It was emphasised that the complex's individual elements should express their functional differences, and send signals of a good working environment, a modern company and high standard of hygiene.