Steyn Studio, an architectural firm in the UK completed the Bosjes Chapel in Western Cape Province, South Africa a few years ago. Set within a vineyard, the exclusive religious building came in sculptural form that mirrors the outline of the surrounding mountain ranges, while simultaneously referencing the region’s distinctive Cape Dutch Architecture. Noticeably designed without a traditional spire, the roof canopy was constructed from a slim, concrete cast shell.
The building is flanked by a lush vineyard and a pomegranate orchard
Conceived by the South African-born Coetzee Steyn, the principal architect of Steyn Studio, the undulating roof of ‘Bosjes Chapel’ dramatically rises in multiple mountain shapes like glazing where each wave of the canopy rises to a peak, and are adjoined by symbolic crosses. Elevated on a plinth, the crisp white form is bordered by a reflective pond positioned to emphasize its apparent weightlessness. The exclusive building is also flanked by a lush vineyard and pomegranate orchard.
The building’s sculptural form mirrors the outline of the surrounding mountain ranges
The interior has a large, open assembly space within a simple rectangular plan, as the whitewashed ceiling casts an array of shadows throughout the day, while polished terazzo floors help with the reflection of light. A neutral material palette not only allows the worshippers to focus on prayers, but also enables the framed views of the surrounding landscape to take prominence.
Set within a vineyard, the chapel is noticeably designed without a traditional spire
To maintain the purity of the scheme’s structural concept, the architects hide elements of the building’s functional program discretely within the plinth, or even inside the outer corners of the nearby garden. Designed as a welcoming and inviting structure, the chapel outwardly maintains an extended relationship with the valley by embracing its natural setting.
Expanses of glazing are adjoined by symbolic crosses
A large, open assembly space has been formed within a simple rectangular plan
The whitewashed ceiling casts an array of shadows throughout the day
Polished terazzo floors help reflect light
A neutral material palette enables the views of the surrounding landscape to take prominence
The undulating roof rises and falls dramatically
The scheme references the region’s distinctive Cape Dutch Architecture
Project Info:
Construction Started on Site: 2013
Completion: December 2016
Gross Floor Area: 430 sqm
Location: Bosjes Farm, Witzenberg District, Western Cape, South Africa
Design Architect: Steyn Studio (UK)
Client: Confidential
Project Architect: TV3 Architects (South Africa)
Furniture Design: Liam Mooney Studio
Contractor: Longworth & Faul
Structural Engineer: Henry Fagan & Partners
Mechanical & Electrical Engineer: Solution Station
Quantity Surveyor: De Leeuw
Planning Consultant: Ron Brunings
Landscape Architect: CNdV Landscape Architects
Heritage Consultants: Graham Jacobs, Elzet Albertyn & Lize Malan
