Philip Payne ‘branches out’ with wooden emergency exit sign
A new sustainable, British-made range of wooden emergency exit signs has been launched by Philip Payne, designed for premium architectural builds without compromising on safety or functionality.
The product, named ARDEN, is crafted from European joinery-grade oak sourced from responsibly managed forests. It has a low embodied carbon score of 29.87kg CO₂e (DALI surface mounted version), 30% less than many non-wooden exit signs.
Nick Revell, Managing Director at Philip Payne, explained: “ARDEN is our response to market requirements for a more sustainable exit sign that prioritises aesthetic impact without sacrificing quality or reliability. By using locally sourced oak throughout the design stage, we have created a product that enhances the overall ambience of any space, while delivering superior reliability and impressive circularity at end-of-life. We think it richly deserves its headline of ‘Outstanding, Naturally’!”
Glow-wire tested to 850°C, ARDEN meets stringent fire resistance standards, providing peace of mind in day-to-day use. It features an advanced Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery with a superior design life, significantly reducing maintenance requirements and waste compared to traditional battery systems. At the end of its lifecycle, the oak body is fully recyclable, further contributing to a circular economy.
Available in a choice of finishes, including natural oak clear lacquered and two additional options, and in surface and recessed mounting variants, ARDEN allows architects and designers to create a cohesive aesthetic vision while embracing the principles of sustainability and functionality. Its high-transmission acrylic legend panel boasts up to 90% recycled content, and its long-lasting, British-made LED module, with a rated lifespan of 100,000 hours, ensures consistent and reliable illumination. The product’s emergency module has DALI 2 certification, enabling seamless integration with building management systems for efficient monitoring and control. A version compatible with Philip Payne’s wireless test and monitoring system – SpectoXT – is also offered.
Nick Revell added: “We’ve worked hard to create a wooden emergency exit sign, which exceeds all safety standards, while integrating into any premium aesthetic building design, with a highly sustainable profile. The name ARDEN pays homage to the ancient territory which covered most of the UK’s Midlands, including where Philip Payne’s headquarters are now located. ARDEN represents our commitment to locally sourced materials in the quest for greater sustainability.”
