Located in a South African vineyard, the new Bosjes Church was designed by Coetzee Steyn of Steyn Studio, based in London. The design takes inspiration from the outline of the surrounding mountains, echoing the historic Cape Dutch triangular wall found in the Western Cape village. The roof features a thin concrete shell that supports itself independently, with each wave-like contour seamlessly connected to the ground. At the peak of each undulating roof, a cross marks the exterior wall centered within a window.
Drawing poetic inspiration from Psalm 36:7, the church presents a crisp white form—lightweight and dynamic—that appears to float within the valley. Surrounding water pools enhance this illusion by reflecting the structure’s weightlessness. Built on flat terrain, the church serves as a layered focal point amidst its environment, where green vineyards and pomegranate orchards have transformed once barren land into a lush oasis.
Inside, the church features a simple rectangular layout that creates a spacious and open gathering area. The highly polished terrazzo floor reflects natural light, while the undulating white ceiling casts shifting shadows throughout the day, giving a sense of movement and life. This material palette forms a neutral backdrop, harmonizing with the vineyard and distant mountain views.
To preserve the simplicity of the roof and assembly space, additional functional elements of the building are discreetly integrated into the base or located in the corners of the surrounding garden, maintaining the church’s clean and minimal profile.
Inspired by the simplicity of 19th-century Moravian mission stations established on Cape Dutch farms, the church notably omits a spire—strengthening its connection to the natural surroundings.
The church embodies openness, extending outward into the surrounding valleys and mountains, reflecting the divine creativity found in its environment.
Design Drawings
△ General layout plan
△ Site Plan
△ Underground floor plan
△ First floor plan
△ Roof Plan
Southwest facade, Northeast facade
△ Southeast facade, Northwest facade
△ Section diagram
△ Section diagram
△ Detailed section
△ Roof analysis diagram
Project Information
Project Type: Chapel
Location: CERES, South Africa
Architectural Design: Steyn Studio
Area: 430 m²
Year: 2016
Manufacturers: PERI, PG Smartglass, Shotcrete, Sika, Terrazzo & Marble
Lead Architect: TV3 Architects (South Africa)
Home Design: Liam Mooney Studio
Contractor: Longworth & Faul
Structural Engineer: Henry Fagan & Partners
Mechanical and Electrical Engineer: Solution Station
Quantity Surveyor: De Leeuw
Planning Consultant: Ron Brunings
Landscape Architects: CNdV Landscape Architects
Heritage Advisors: Graham Jacobs, Elzet Albertyn & Lize Malan
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up