Modern AV Integration at the Church of St Alphonsus, Singapore

Originally built in 1950, the Church of St Alphonsus—also known as Novena Church—has long served as a spiritual landmark in Singapore. To meet growing demand and modern worship needs, the Redemptorists undertook a major upgrade, preserving its heritage while introducing architectural and AV advancements.

The redesigned sanctuary now includes towering columns, stained-glass windows, air conditioning, and a newly constructed shrine. But perhaps most impressive is the state-of-the-art audio system: a Fohhn Linea Focus beam-steering speaker solution integrated seamlessly into the stone architecture.

This system ensures clear, intelligible speech and evenly distributed sound, thanks to precise acoustic calculations and strategic speaker placement. The unobtrusive speakers serve thousands each week—enhancing the worship experience without compromising aesthetic or tradition.

Key Highlights:

• Fohhn Linea Focus Beam-Steering Speakers:
  The innovative Fohhn Linea Focus speaker system was selected by the church committee for its superior speech intelligibility and elegant integration into the limestone columns.
  The 4.5m tall LFI-450 speaker columns feature advanced DSP-controlled beam-steering technology, delivering precise sound coverage across the sanctuary’s challenging acoustic environment.

• Seamless Architectural Integration:
  Close collaboration with architects and contractors ensured the speaker housings blended unobtrusively with the limestone pillars, matching colours with a custom RAL finish and recessed installation within the columns.

• Supplementary Audio Equipment:
  The system includes additional Fohhn subwoofers in cardioid mode for low-frequency support and discreet Fohhn monitor speakers for the priests and choir, enhancing both spoken word and musical elements of the services.

• Acoustic Performance:
  The deployment of the Fohhn speakers, combined with professional acoustic treatment, significantly improved speech clarity and even sound distribution, overcoming challenges posed by stone surfaces, glazed windows, and vaulted ceilings.

This state-of-the-art audio elevates the worship experience, enabling clear communication to thousands of congregants in a historic setting without compromising architectural aesthetics.

One important emphasis in this project was the directivity of speech, especially during sermons. The system was carefully designed and timed so that the sound appears to come directly from the pulpit, ensuring that all worshippers naturally direct their attention toward it. This creates a powerful and immersive experience, giving the impression that the priest is speaking personally to each listener, regardless of their seating position in the space.

This project was internationally recognised as one of the four finalists at the 2019 InAVation Awards, held on the opening night of ISE 2019 in Amsterdam.

This solution was implemented by Control Logic Systems, an independent AV distributor now part of Ideal Systems SEA.

Read the full article by Pro AVL Asia.