The BRP-CNR is located in the "Ex-Caserma Carabinieri " (Former Military Police Barracks) building, built in the 90s’, and used for a few years as a barracks until the final closure of the maximum security prison. The base is located in the southwestern part of Pianosa villagejust below the island's lighthouse.

The facility consists of two main floors:

• the ground floor, where there is a room with various spaces used as a laboratory and other technical and service rooms of the facility;

• the raised floor, made up of two staggered levels where are located the living area and the sleeping quarters respectively. The two areas are connected internally by a stairwell, but also accessible independently by the two entrances from the outside.

The Living Area consists of two parts, divided by a large entrance corridor. On one side there is a room used as a vestibule and 5 communicating rooms used as offices, meeting room and warehouse. On the opposite side there is a large hall with a work / conference area and a part used as lunchroom. Next to the living room there is a kitchen equipped with every tool necessary to prepare meals in total autonomy. Finally, there is a laundry room and a bathroom.

The sleeping area consists of n. 11 bedrooms each with private bathroom: no. 8 single rooms and no. 3 double rooms.