In an industry where emergency exit signs are often viewed as necessary intrusions into carefully crafted architectural spaces, ARDEN is a statement emergency exit design that challenges conventional thinking about safety equipment. This innovative new product, launched in July 2024, demonstrates how emergency lighting can transcend its utilitarian roots to become an integral part of architectural design while setting new standards for sustainability.
ARDEN is widely considered the first wooden emergency exit sign available in the UK market, marking a significant departure from traditional materials and aesthetics. At its core, ARDEN answers a fundamental question: Can essential safety equipment enhance rather than compromise architectural vision? The answer manifests in a product that marries the natural warmth of oak with precision engineering and advanced technology.
The design narrative begins with material selection. European joinery-grade oak, sourced from responsibly managed forests, forms ARDEN’s distinctive housing. This choice wasn’t just for aesthetic reasons – oak’s inherent properties make it an ideal material for emergency signage. Its natural strength and resistance to damage ensure durability, while its organic texture creates a visual anchor that stands out from flat drywall surfaces. This is particularly valuable in low-light emergency conditions.
ARDEN’s minimalist design responds to architects’ need for emergency signage that complements rather than disrupts their spaces. The proportions and detailing draw from modest principles, allowing the natural qualities of the oak to stand as the primary visual element. Multiple mounting configurations – flush ceiling, surface ceiling, surface wall, and conduit installations – provide practical flexibility for varying architectural requirements.
Manufactured entirely in Philip Payne’s Solihull facility, ARDEN represents the best of British engineering and craftsmanship. Every component, from the precision-machined oak housing to the British-made LED modules, is carefully assembled by skilled technicians. This local manufacturing approach not only ensures exceptional quality control but also reduces transportation emissions and supports the UK’s manufacturing heritage. The proximity of production to end-users enables responsive customer service and allows for customisation to meet specific project requirements.
The product’s sustainability credentials are impressive. ARDEN achieves an exceptionally low embodied carbon score of 29.87kg CO₂e (DALI surface mounted version), representing up to 30% lower emissions than many non-wooden alternatives. This achievement stems from a holistic approach to sustainable design that considers the entire product lifecycle. The high-transmission acrylic legend panel incorporates up to 90% recycled content, while waste material from CNC machining is repurposed to heat the UK production facility. At end-of-life, the oak body is fully recyclable, completing a circular economy approach.
ARDEN’s performance specifications demonstrate the careful balance between efficiency and effectiveness. The emergency lighting system delivers optimised illumination through an edge-lit design that ensures even light distribution across the legend panel. Operating at 350mA, the LED system consumes just 4W with the charging circuit active and 2.8W when the battery reaches optimal charge. This efficient power management contributes to reduced operational costs while maintaining the required illumination levels for emergency conditions.
Technical performance & safety
Technological innovation underpins ARDEN’s performance. The product incorporates an advanced Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery with an expected design life exceeding eight years, significantly reducing maintenance requirements and waste compared to traditional systems. The British-made LED module, rated for 100,000 hours, ensures consistent illumination while operating at modest power levels – the edge-lit LED board draws just 1.05W. DALI 2 certification enables seamless integration with building management systems, while compatibility with Philip Payne’s wireless SpectoXT system facilitates remote testing and maintenance.
The product’s development involved extensive testing to ensure optimal light transmission through the acrylic legend panel while maintaining the desired aesthetic impact. The result is a clear, easily readable sign that meets all visibility requirements without the institutional appearance typical of emergency lighting. This careful calibration of technical and visual elements exemplifies Philip Payne’s approach to emergency lighting design.
Safety remains paramount. ARDEN has been glow-wire tested to 850°C, meeting stringent fire resistance standards. The product’s thoughtful engineering ensures that its sustainable materials and premium aesthetics never compromise its primary function as critical safety equipment.
ARDEN’s finish options, including natural oak clear lacquered and two additional variations, provide architects and designers with the flexibility to create cohesive aesthetic schemes. This attention to detail extends to every aspect of the product, from the precision-engineered joints to the carefully considered LED diffusion that ensures optimal visibility while maintaining visual elegance.
The name ARDEN itself carries significance, paying homage to the ancient forest territory that once covered much of the British Midlands, including the location of Philip Payne’s current headquarters. This connection to local heritage reinforces the product’s commitment to sustainable, locally-sourced materials and manufacturing.
ARDEN demonstrates that safety equipment can be simultaneously sustainable, aesthetically pleasing, and high-performing. The product challenges the industry to reconsider its approach to emergency lighting, proving that architectural vision need not be compromised by safety requirements.
In the context of contemporary architecture’s growing emphasis on sustainable materials and biophilic design, ARDEN offers a solution that aligns with these principles while meeting essential safety requirements. It exemplifies how thoughtful design can transform utilitarian objects into architectural elements that enhance rather than detract from their surroundings.
ARDEN’s development also reflects Philip Payne’s 50-year heritage of innovation in emergency lighting, combined with a forward-looking commitment to sustainability. This commitment is further validated by parent company FW Thorpe plc’s Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) approved goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain by 2040.
The product stands as a testament to the power of design to solve multiple challenges simultaneously – meeting stringent safety standards, achieving exceptional sustainability metrics, and elevating the aesthetic quality of emergency lighting. ARDEN proves that emergency exit signs can be outstanding, naturally.
