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Bosjes Chapel

Steyn Studio’s chapel in Bosjes features a roof constructed from a slim concrete cast shell, which supports itself as each undulation dramatically falls to meet the ground.

The new chapel, set within a vineyard in South Africa, is designed by South-African born Coetzee Steyn of London based Steyn Studio. Its serene sculptural form emulates the silhouette of surrounding mountain ranges, paying tribute to the historic Cape Dutch gables dotting the rural landscapes of the Western Cape. Constructed from a slim concrete cast shell, the roof supports itself as each undulation dramatically falls to meet the ground.

Steyn Studio, Bosjes Chapel, South Africa, 2016

Steyn Studio, Bosjes Chapel, South Africa, 2016

Steyn Studio, Bosjes Chapel, South Africa, 2016

Steyn Studio, Bosjes Chapel, South Africa, 2016

Steyn Studio, Bosjes Chapel, lower ground floor

Steyn Studio, Bosjes Chapel, ground floor

Steyn Studio, Bosjes Chapel, roof floor

Steyn Studio, Bosjes Chapel, sections

Steyn Studio, Bosjes Chapel, elevations

Elevated upon a plinth, the chapel rises from the flat land its sits upon, providing a hierarchical focal point within its surroundings. New planting including a vineyard and pomegranate orchard create a lush green oasis on the otherwise exposed site. Inside, a large and open assembly space is created within a simple rectangular plan.

Steyn Studio, Bosjes Chapel, South Africa, 2016

Highly polished terrazzo floors reflect light internally. The undulating whitewashed ceiling casts an array of shadows which dance within the volume as light levels change throughout the day. This modest palette of materials creates a neutral background to the impressive framed views of the vineyard and mountains beyond.

Bosjes Chapel, South Africa
Program: church
Architect: Steyn Studio
Project architect: TV3 Architects
Structural engineering: Henry Fagan & Partners
Contractor: Longworth & Faul
Mechanical and electrical engineer: Solution Station
Landscape architect: CNdV Landscape Architects
Area: 430 sqm
Completion: 2016

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Bosjes Chapel

Steyn Studio’s chapel in Bosjes features a roof constructed from a slim concrete cast shell, which supports itself as each undulation dramatically falls to meet the ground.

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