Cape Winelands Airport: a new era with Boogertman + Partners
Architecs drawing: Materiality and detailing draw on the language of traditional Cape wineries and cellars, expressed through a refined contemporary approach. A carefully considered palette of textures, colours, and natural materials is complemented by the integration of indigenous planting and vineyard landscapes, reinforcing a strong connection between the built environment and its setting.
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The Cape Winelands Airport has taken a significant step forward in its ambitious development plans with the announcement of Boogertman + Partners as the lead architects. This appointment heralds a new era for the airport that promises to meld world-class design with the rich cultural tapestry of the Western Cape region.
Boogertman + Partners, one of Africa’s leading architectural firms, is set to collaborate with amd.sigma, a premier airport development company from Berlin, to develop a blueprint that encapsulates both international insight and local knowledge. Their combined expertise is expected to drive the creation of an “airport city precinct” that aims to stimulate economic growth, attract new investment, and enhance regional connectivity.
Nick Ferguson, Managing Director of RSA Aero, owner and operator of the Cape Winelands Airport, voiced enthusiasm over the partnership, stating, “Boogertman + Partners' track record of award-winning, contextually responsive architecture makes them the ideal partner for a landmark project of this scale.” The development is strategically poised to create a new gateway to the scenic Cape Winelands, boosting not only air travel but also the locality’s commerce and community dynamics.
Long-term plans for the Cape Winelands Airport include constructing a new boutique terminal, runway infrastructure, and sophisticated airside systems, with an estimated initial investment between R8 - R10 billion. This monumental undertaking is expected to yield approximately 35,000 direct and indirect jobs within the first phase, and potentially support over 100,000 jobs during the airport's initial 20 years of operation.
“Our mission is to deliver world-class, human-centred design solutions,” explained André Wright, Director at Boogertman + Partners. “This project will set standards for design innovation not just in the country, but across the continent.” The visual identity of the airport aims to be profoundly rooted in its locale, blending seamlessly with the natural topography and agricultural landscape of the region. The proposed terminal is envisioned as a sculptural glass and steel formation that rises organically from the terrain.
Emphasizing the project’s commitment to sustainability, the design will aim for leading environmental ratings and certifications, reinforcing its ethos of environmental stewardship. Wessel van Dyk, the creative lead at Boogertman + Partners, expressed excitement for a project that promises an unparalleled user experience while targeting highest environmental principles.
Adam Symalla, Managing Director of amd.sigma, reiterated the project’s promise.
“Cape Winelands Airport embodies a unique opportunity for a next-generation regional gateway that balances world-class infrastructure with the distinct identity of the Western Cape.”
The layout of the development supports phased expansion, designed to adapt to evolving local conditions and future mobility trends. This flexibility ensures the airport remains responsive to the community it serves, with stakeholder input forming a vital part of its ongoing development. The appointment of Boogertman + Partners follows strategic partnerships with Growthpoint Properties and WBHO Construction that were announced at the end of 2025, marking another milestone in this grand vision.
Ferguson said with an ambitious outlook: “Our vision is for Cape Winelands Airport to be a destination in its own right—a gateway that encapsulates the character, beauty, and heritage of the region.” This ambitious development is not only set to transform regional air travel but also elevate the Cape Winelands as a premier international tourism destination.