Steyn Studio

Bosjes Chapel

Bosjes Chapel
© Adam Letch

BOSJES CHAPEL

 Steyn Studio

LOCATION
South Africa

AREA
430.0 m2

ARCHITECTS
Steyn Studio

CATEGORY
Chapel

PHOTOGRAPHS
Adam Letch

PROJECT YEAR
2016

MANUFACTURERS
Terrazzo & Marble, Sika, PERI, Shotcrete :, PG Smartglass

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
CNdV Landscape Architects

LEAD PROJEVT ARCHITECT
TV3 Architects (South Africa)

QUANTITY SURVEYOR
De Leeuw

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
Henry Fagan & Partners

CONTRACTOR
Longworth & Faul

FURNITURE DESIGN
Liam Mooney Studio

LEAD PROJECT ARCHITECT
TV3 Architects

MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
Solution Station

PLANNING CONSULTANT
Ron Brunings

HERITAGE CONSULTANTS
Graham Jacobs, Elzet Albertyn & Lize Malan

MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
Solutionstation

Text description provided by architect.

The new chapel, set within a vineyard in South Africa, is designed by South-African born Coetzee Steyn of London based Steyn Studio.

Bosjes Chapel
© Adam Letch
Bosjes Chapel
© Adam Letch

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.

Bosjes Chapel
© Adam Letch
Bosjes Chapel
© Adam Letch
Bosjes Chapel
© Adam Letch

Where each wave of the roof structure rises to a peak, expanses of glazing adjoined centrally by a crucifix adorn the façade.

Drawing poetic inspiration from Psalm 36:7, the crisp white form is conceived as a lightweight, and dynamic structure which appears to float within the valley.

A reflective pond emphasises the apparent weightlessness of the structure. 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.

Bosjes Chapel
© Adam Letch
Bosjes Chapel
© Adam Letch

Inside, a large and open assembly space is created within a simple rectangular plan. Highly polished terazzo 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
© Adam Letch
Bosjes Chapel
© Adam Letch

In order to keep the structural form of the roof and assembly space pure, other elements of the buildings functional programme are either hidden within the plinth, or discretely within the outer corners of the surrounding garden.

Inspired by the simplicity of the Moravian Mission Stations established on Cape Dutch farms in the 19th Century, the chapel lacks a spire – relinquishing a sense of significance in relation to its impressive natural surroundings.

Bosjes Chapel
© Adam Letch
Bosjes Chapel
© Adam Letch

An open embrace which invites in, the chapel is also a space that extends outwards into the valley and mountains beyond, raising the awareness of God’s creation in the immediate environment.


Bosjes Chapel
Courtesy of Steyn Studio

Bosjes Chapel
Courtesy of Steyn Studio


Bosjes Chapel
Sections
Bosjes Chapel
Section
Bosjes Chapel
Sections
Bosjes Chapel
Courtesy of Steyn Studio


Bosjes Chapel
Site Plan
Bosjes Chapel
Elevations


Bosjes Chapel
Masterplan
Bosjes Chapel
Floor Plan
Bosjes Chapel
Floor Plan

Steyn Studio
T +44 20 32390228
Steyn Studio
55-57, Unit G1, Lionworks, Wallis Rd, London E9 5LH, United Kingdom