Pharos Architectural Controls is an award-winning British manufacturer of dynamic lighting control solutions for architecture and other specialist industries. Our products are highly flexible, versatile and powerful, and trusted to run day and night illuminating iconic installations around the world from international landmarks and historic architecture to theme parks, airports, stadiums, bridges, shopping malls, art installations, and more. 

Pharos is part of the Carallon group of companies, an independently-owned product development house specializing in innovative control systems. Its design team is the best of its kind – a group of highly motivated individuals committed to the creation and ongoing development of industry-leading products. Within that team is a wealth of experience in the field of advanced control solutions, with principal members responsible for ground-breaking entertainment lighting control consoles, architectural lighting systems and video processing technology. 

Renowned lighting industry expert, Martin Klaasen, has announced the launch of a new knowledge-sharing platform Light Talk.

Light Talk is a digital hub of information, guidance and advice for those engaged in the lighting profession or looking to start their career in the sector. It has been curated by Martin, drawing on his four decades of lighting design experience.

Bringing together all under one roof range of media including articles and blog posts, podcasts and video interviews, Light Talk caters for a wide audience across different methods of learning. From lighting designers to manufacturers, architects and interior designers, or students of design-led disciplines, Martin has ensured there is something for all the community.

There is also the option to sign up for Martin’s masterclass for an annual fee, which offers access to a growing collection of learning modules covering a wide range of topics related to lighting and lighting design.

The site also houses Martin’s two books which can be downloaded

Martin Klaasen said: “Light Talk is an exciting venture for me as it allows me to share the knowledge I have built up over 40 years with those in the industry who can benefit from it. The lighting sector is known for being collaborative and welcoming, and I want to give back to the industry that has offered me so much.

“I hope my insights help those already working in the industry, as well as those just starting on their journey or even looking for a career change.”

Adding to Light Talk’s offering, Martin can be booked for speaking opportunities, mentoring sessions or consultancy services.

The government launched the eagerly anticipated WEEE consultation on 28 December 2023. A range of measures are proposed within the joint UK Government, Scottish Government, Welsh Government and Northern Ireland Executive consultation.

Recolight are pleased to see that the initial policy proposals cover what had been expected. The reform of the WEEE regulations is intended to encourage greater reuse and collection of waste electricals . And for products that cannot be reused, or remanufactured, proposals are in place to make it easier for consumers to recycle

There are two separate consultations – firstly proposals for short term regulatory change, and secondly, a call for evidence in other areas, to aid the development of new policy proposals.

Proposals for short term regulatory change

• Free of charge collection of WEEE for consumers
  In essence, providing householders with free of charge collection of both small WEEE, and also of bulky WEEE, financed by the producers of new products.
• Enhanced options for consumer takeback via retailers
  This includes strengthened obligations on retailers, in particular free collection of used appliances when delivering new appliances, and simpler in-store take back options for consumers.
• Tackling non-compliant product sold via online marketplaces.
  The government propose a new class of producer. This would require online marketplaces to take on the financial obligations for collection and treatment of their overseas sellers. This would be consistent with the current packaging reforms.
• New category for vapes.
  Establishment of a new category for vapes to ensure the cost of collection and treatment of these products is correctly borne by vape producers – and not by other producers
• Setting up a new central WEEE administration body
  This would manage several functions currently undertaken by various organisations, together with managing household WEEE collections, to control costs.

Call for evidence

The call for evidence invites stakeholders to provide input into future policy development in a range of areas.  This includes measures to incentivise better eco-design of new products, requiring producers to finance fly-tipped WEEE, incentivising reuse over recycling, and providing business end users with easier to access WEEE collections.

Recolight response

Commenting on the launch of the consultations, Recolight Chief Executive Nigel Harvey said “This consultation is long overdue, but it is pleasing that it has prioritised some ‘quick wins’ for early implementation. For the lighting industry, the most important is no doubt action to end the scourge of WEEE non-compliance through online marketplaces.  Research has shown that the overwhelming majority of smaller electrical products, such as light bulbs, offered for sale through online marketplaces do not comply with the WEEE regulations.  The proposed changes will require marketplaces to finance the WEEE obligations of products from outside the UK sold via their platform.  For the lighting industry, this cannot happen soon enough.”

He added “We also welcome the proposed changes to make it easier for consumers to recycle, via household collections and enhanced retailer takeback obligations.  Research has shown that some 155,000 tonnes of WEEE are discarded each year in the residual waste.  And yet, increasing producer targets has not increased WEEE collections.  Instead, what is needed, is an expansion of the options open to consumers to recycle.  There is ample evidence that shows consumers will recycle when the infrastructure, and communications are in place.”

Next steps

The Consultation will run for 10 weeks. Recolight will be working closely with scheme members to gather views and to develop a response that seeks to ensure changes will work well.

Tina Taylor from Tridonic picked up the award on behalf of the team at Spennymoor

Members of the team from Tridonic’s Spennymoor Manufacturing and R&D Facility have picked up a regional award for its dedication and commitment to educating the next generation, through a range of STEM-based initiatives.

Working with the local schools, colleges and the Northeast Institute of Technology, Tridonic has launched an extensive programme of learning opportunities that include apprenticeships, T-levels and NVQ Level 2 qualifications, and exposure to STEM in action, for younger students.

The award recognises the number of hours spent by Tridonic’s six STEM ambassadors – who work across different departments from within the business – who actively participate in school visits; host factory tours and assist in the education and training of students on a range of qualifications.

Over 3,000 children and young people have been engaged through the scheme, from school talks to completion of one of a host of qualifications. The successful programme has resulted in two students being offered permanent employment at Tridonic.

Ben Kennard, Manufacturing and Supply Chain Manager at Spennymoor, enrolled Tridonic onto the programme. He said: “This award is the culmination of a lot of hard work and dedication from our six STEM ambassadors, who are members of the team from different departments within the site, who take time out of their working week to help educate young people and encourage them to examine a career in this field.

“Getting involved with the programme was my way of giving something back to the next generation, while ensuring a pipeline of talent for future generations – something that is under constant threat in our sector.

“The award is a great reflection on the team’s hard work and we are looking forward to growing our programme by recruiting more ambassadors to help engage with and enthuse more young people through our technologies and expertise – and ultimately – offer more employment opportunities to students across the Northeast.”

Dawn Ross, STEM Hub Liaison Coordinator at RTC North, said: “We are delighted to give Tridonic this award for the ‘largest number of active STEM Ambassadors from a North East SME’ Since they first registered they have shown such commitment to the programme. It’s a testament to the dedication and expertise of their team.”

CU Phosco Lighting, a leading innovator in outdoor lighting solutions, is proud to announce that its P86x range, encompassing the P860, P861, P862, and P863 product lines, has achieved an exceptional 2.9 TM66 score, solidifying the company’s position as a pioneer in circular economy practices within the industry.

One of the highest scores, awarded by the LIA/CIBSE circular economy certification scheme (certification scheme TSD-012 TM66 Assured Product Verification Scheme), the achievement underscores CU Phosco Lighting’s commitment to sustainable design and manufacturing processes.

Commenting on this achievement, Matt Murray, Sales & Marketing Director at CU Phosco Lighting, stated, “We are thrilled to receive a TM66 2.9 score for our P86x range. Only manufacturers who successfully complete all stages of the LIA/CIBSE circular economy certification scheme process are entitled to use the TM66 Assured Product Verification Scheme mark, and we will be displaying ours proudly. This accomplishment reflects our unwavering dedication to circular economy principles, and we believe it positions us as the best in the industry as far as circularity is concerned.”

The P86x range, comprising the award-winning P860, P861, P862, and P863 luminaires, has been designed with a focus on optimal optical performance, thermal management, compatibility, and serviceability. 100% recyclable, the range is easy to upgrade and dismantle at the end of life. These products cater to the most demanding lighting requirements, offering efficiency, versatility, and future-proofing for an optimised investment.

At CU Phosco Lighting, circularity is at the core of their business strategy and features heavily in 2024 plans. The company consistently evaluates its products for circular economy performance, ensuring accessibility for maintenance, modularity, upgradeability, and the use of recyclable or reusable materials.

A TM66 score between 2.5 and 4 indicates excellent circularity, placing CU Phosco’s P86x range at the forefront of sustainable lighting solutions.

• ZLED Linear Opti-X delivers on adaptability and sustainability

Unrivalled functionality and versatility are the hallmarks of Ansell Lighting’s new ZLED Linear Opti-X high and low bay light.

Two switches enable output to be changed between 100W, 150W and 200W and the beam to be angled between four options – 35°x85°, 95°x115°, 65°x110° and 50°x100°.

This means if there are any changes to the racking layout, or to the use of the area being lit, the lighting can be adjusted simply by altering the beam or wattage, without having to make any modifications to the fitting itself.

Octo compatible, 0/1-10V dimmable as standard, and with an optional energy-saving motion sensor, the ZLED Linear Opti-X is ideal for all industrial applications, including warehouses, sorting areas and production facilities.

Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting said: “Because the ZLED Linear Opti-X can meet multiple lighting needs via an extremely simple adjustment, it is perfect for settings such as rented warehouses, where diverse users have individual lighting needs requiring different rack heights, beam angles and lighting outputs.

“Being able to adjust the lighting to meet diverse lighting needs, without replacing the entire fitting, also makes it a highly sustainable option which supports the circular economy. It really is unique on the market as an energy and cost efficient all-in-one solution.”

Delivering 140lm/w, the IP65 rated ZLED Linear Opti-X has a robust die-cast aluminium construction, delivering enhanced thermal protection to optimise the LED lifespan. It comes with a five-year warranty. A 1.5m suspension kit comes as standard and surface mounting is possible with an AZPLLED/LC accessory.

Leading exterior lighting solutions provider DW Windsor has unveiled a range of sustainable solar lighting solutions designed to support a variety of lighting applications, including car parks, footpaths, cycleways and parks.

The new range includes several off-grid lighting options, from standalone solar bollards and solar lanterns with integrated panels to modular solar systems compatible with the manufacturer’s existing luminaire range.

With no need for cabling or connection to the grid, the solar-powered solutions can deliver illumination wherever it’s needed. This makes them ideally suited to remote areas with no access to power or anywhere that cable trenching would be financially prohibitive or overly disruptive – such as conservation areas or places of special environmental interest.

The launch comes at a time when local authorities and businesses are under increased pressure to reduce their carbon footprint while also facing rising energy prices. With zero emissions and no ongoing electricity costs, solar lighting offers a commercially feasible alternative to traditional mains-powered lighting.

DW Windsor’s solar lighting range has been developed using the latest solar technologies and the highest quality materials and components to ensure exceptional product quality and performance standards.

Monocrystalline photovoltaic panels and lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are used across all products to deliver greater panel efficiency and increased longevity. Advanced lighting controllers are also fitted to optimise battery life, while motion sensors help manage light levels, providing consistent illumination during hours of darkness. The release also comes after a period of extensive testing to ensure suitability for the UK climate.

Mitch Waite, Senior Product Manager at DW Windsor, said: “Our new solar-powered lighting range perfectly complements our existing luminaire portfolio, helping to bolster our offering of energy-efficient lighting products. Solar is a great solution for off-grid applications without access to power or for organisations looking to reduce their annual electrical bills and cut carbon emissions.”

Esther Newton, Sales Director at DW Windsor, added: “At DW Windsor, we take a holistic approach to solar lighting projects. Our experienced team is on hand to support customers throughout the product specification and lighting design phase of any scheme to determine if solar is the right solution for your project needs.”

Rako, Britain’s leading smart lighting control company, will be showcasing its latest technology for improved control, ease of integration and flexibility at Integrated Systems Europe 2024 (Stand 2K220, Fira Barcelona, 30^th January-2^nd February 2024).

Rako will be highlighting its latest innovation in LED dimmer technology, with the RLED30CV4+. This new wireless, constant voltage adjustment LED dimmer offers RGBW and tuneable white control, all conveniently managed on one channel. The single channel control capability will significantly simplify installation and the way the lighting control is set-up for lighting designers, specifiers, and installers as the outputs can be configured as either RGB, RGBW or Tunable White via Rasoft Pro.

Also being demonstrated is Rako’s integration with Bodhi – Bodhi is an advanced guest room management system allowing hotels to have complete building management. Rako have partnered with Bodhi to allow for scene controls of lighting and guest service selection feedback for front-of-house use, achieved through both the Bodhi dashboard interface and the Rako app. This integration can enable hotels to automatically trigger welcome scenes; including lighting scenes, temperature, and background music.

“It is great to be back at ISE 2024, for its special 20-year celebration, sharing our latest developments in dimming technology.” Comments Paul Wafer, Director at Rako.  “Tunable lighting isn’t just a trend—it’s a transformative avenue for integrators and homeowners seeking enhanced well-being. We take pride in delivering solutions that simplify the lives of specifiers, lighting designers and installers. Our Rako system supports integrators as they deliver reliable and sleek lighting solutions that resonate with their customers’ desires for quality and comfort. Visit our stand to find out more.”

The company will be demonstrating its stylish range of EOS and Modular keypads in a selection of eye-catching finishes, including the EOS Portrait keypad, winner in the Best Lighting Control category at the recent Smart Building Awards. The elegant, vertical design of the EOS Portrait keypad creates a clean and uncluttered aesthetic with six push buttons recessed into each keypad. The keypad offers a reassuring and tactile interface, that would complement any interior.

Both the Modular and EOS keypad ranges are available in seven premium finishes to suit contemporary or traditional interiors. They can also be matched with Heritage Brass electrical accessories as well as cabinet and door hardware. Installers will be able to see how the keypads and accessories complement each other seamlessly on the Rako stand at ISE 2024.

In addition to showcasing its exceptional product lineup, Rako Controls is excited to announce the launch of its new RIBA certified CPD titled “Mastering Lighting Control: A Specifier’s Guide.” This educational initiative underscores Rako’s commitment to providing valuable insights to industry professionals, empowering them to make informed decisions in the ever-evolving landscape of lighting control.

The Lingerie Boutique is the newest womenswear department of the high-end department store Harrods. Unveiled on the retailer’s first floor, the dedicated space showcases a range of flattering loungewear and lingerie sets from much-loved brands such as Skims and La Perla. The department also offers a range of unique services alongside capsule collections designed exclusively for Harrods.

To ensure the clothes can be fully appreciated, a considered lighting scheme was required. Award-winning independent lighting design consultants Lighting Design International (LDI) were commissioned for the project. Having worked with Harrods on a number of previous lighting projects, the team had demonstrated their ability to deliver for the renowned British retailer.

The new department is housed in an area of the store that features historic decorative ceilings. As a listed part of the building, the ceiling could not be disturbed or altered. To overcome this, LDI developed a bespoke suspended track solution. This allows flexible spotlighting onto different sections where brands are grouped together.

Additional spots deliver uplighting, illuminating key parts of the intricate ceiling so the architecture can be enjoyed.

Upon entry to the department, a mannequin stands atop a plinth that is backlit by a warm halo of light. This provides depth and acts as an introduction to the warm soft ambience of the space. Around the perimeter, integral lighting has been added through the use of fluted bulkheads. This offers indirect ambient light to the space while showcasing the architecture and providing a consistent illuminated signage band for branding.

Elsewhere across the boutique, integral lighting has been introduced by LDI into the signage on the hanging rails, and around the bases of the perimeter hanging fixtures. This adds a layer of depth and interest to the lighting scheme. The column cladding is now also illuminated with integral lighting, providing further feature lighting to the column VM displays.

Lighting Design International has used ambient lighting to great effect, choosing indirect light in a 2400K. The extra warm white colour temperature creates a soft, flattering and welcoming environment. This warmer light has been continued through to the signage as this is an important part of the feel of the space. Softer-lit signage reduces any harshness or brashness, making it more integrated into the department.

The space has a background level of warm, indirect lighting punctuated for contrast on the products by well-focussed spotlighting. LDI has taken great care to ensure a minimal amount of direct illumination onto the floor, which would break the softness and fluid nature of the lighting.

All of the retail lighting is high colour rendering, with a temperature of 2700K. This has produced a residential or hospitality feel, while also ensuring fabric colours are vibrant and true in colour representation – something that is very important to give shoppers a real feel for the items they are buying.

The track-mounted luminaires were selected with sustainability in mind, with excellent circularity and embodied carbon investigated through the TM65 and TM66 calculations.

All of the luminaires were sampled by Lighting Design International, to ensure they delivered a balance of effect and tone. The result needed to be a luxurious, relaxing warm lighting effect with balanced colour hues – which has undoubtedly been achieved.

Graham Rollins, Creative Director at Lighting Design International said “It was a tremendous pleasure to collaborate once more with Harrods on yet another sensational department to their renowned store. Illuminating the lingerie boutique presented a unique challenge, given the historical ceilings, but the outcome is truly breathtaking. The warm lighting creates a relaxed ambience, inviting shoppers to unwind rather than feeling like they’re in a typical retail environment. We are pleased with the results and look forward to collaborating with Harrods again in the future.”

HODDESDON, UK,  December 2023 – Leading exterior lighting solutions provider DW Windsor has unveiled its ‘Light Responsibly’ initiative to support and promote responsible lighting practices.

Announced at the LiGHT 23 Expo in London, the new initiative aims to provide lighting specifiers with the tools and guidance needed to eliminate light pollution, conserve energy, cut waste and help protect biodiversity. It consolidates several long-standing principles the British luminaire manufacturer upholds and underlines its commitment to delivering sustainable lighting solutions.

The initiative outlines five key areas where DW Windsor can assist lighting professionals, helping to educate key stakeholders and support considered lighting designs. It includes the adoption of precise optics and light shields, warmer colour temperatures, adaptive lighting controls, highly efficient LEDs, and the embracing of circular economy principles.

DW Windsor addresses these crucial areas through its product design, innovative technologies, advanced manufacturing processes and local supply chain. For example, several DW Windsor luminaires are now DarkSky Approved, meaning they don’t pollute the night sky.

Alan Grant, Design and Development Director at DW Windsor, explains: “Lighting has a significant impact on our lives and the functions of our urban spaces. When carried out responsibly, in line with best practices, good lighting can enhance the built environment while providing social, environmental, and economic benefits.”

Demonstrating how the initiative integrates more broadly across the industry, DW Windsor’s Light Responsibly strategy aligns with principles set out in the Responsible Outdoor Lighting at Night (ROLAN) Manifesto.

Mitch Waite, Senior Product Manager, added: “Light is an essential part of our urban environment, whether ensuring safety and security or supporting the night-time economy. By controlling light effectively, eliminating wasted energy and ensuring light levels and colour temperatures are appropriate, we can improve the well-being of people, protect wildlife and reduce environmental impact. At DW Windsor, we are committed to tackling the challenges we currently face and helping our customers to Light Responsibly.”