Bosjes Chapel, an awe-inspiring structure, takes its inspiration from the surrounding landscape and the imagery of Psalm 36:7: “How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! / People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.”
About the Context
Coetzee Steyn of London-based Steyn Studio designed the chapel. It sits on the Western Cape of South Africa on a private farm that includes a vineyard and pomegranate orchard. The architecture is in conversation with its surroundings and the area’s history. The undulating roof not only echoes the landscape, but the lack of a spire is in keeping with the Moravian tradition in the region.
About the Architecture
The chapel sits on a plinth and atop a reflective pond. Made of cast shell concrete, the roof is self-supporting. Where the concrete waves touch the plinth serves to anchor the structure. Where each wave rises, high glazed windows afford expansive views.
The roof tapers off in upward curves at each corner, giving the impression of continuing into its surroundings. According to Steyn Studio, the chapel’s design is meant to be “an open embrace which invites in.”
Inside, terrazzo floors reflect the light and the focus of the rectangular floor plan is an unadorned cross and the view outside. The floor, white ceiling, and high windows allow light to take centerstage.
Want to take a digital peek into other dreamy MCM places around the world? Check out “A Modern Melbourne ‘Light House.‘”
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