R-Zero Beam
UV-C Air Disinfection System.
R-Zero Beam is a ceiling-mounted system that continuously reduces airborne pathogens in occupied rooms, bringing hospital-grade disinfection into everyday environments.
Beam is the first air disinfection system to use UV-C LEDs instead of traditional mercury bulbs, improving efficiency, longevity, and control. The design leverages natural convective air currents, drawing room air through a sealed disinfection zone to neutralize up to 99% of airborne pathogens every five minutes without the energy use or infrastructure requirements of HVAC-based solutions.
Design decisions were guided by the need for rapid deployment during the COVID-19 pandemic, favoring simple forming methods and minimal tooling without compromising aesthetics. Beam is constructed from lightweight, bent aluminum panels with smooth powder-coated surfaces for easy cleaning.
Beam has been deployed across classrooms, workplaces, and sports and entertainment venues as part of R-Zero’s broader effort to improve indoor air safety.
Role
Industrial Design
Industrial Design
Phases
Research, Concept Development
Credits
Fred Bould // Design Direction
Anson Cheung // Design Direction
Francis Lin // Industrial Design
Research, Concept Development
Credits
Fred Bould // Design Direction
Anson Cheung // Design Direction
Francis Lin // Industrial Design
Fresnel lenses focus the 275nm light from the LEDs (four light bars, housing twelve LEDs each) to create a targeted disinfection zone across the top of a room.
During operation, the deflector shields UV light from occupants below while sensors trigger a pause in disinfection if a person is at risk of crossing into the UV light's path.
R-Zero Vive
Far-UV Air and Surface Disinfection System.
Part of R-Zero's air and surface disinfection system, Vive uses a human-safe wavelength of UV-C light to safely disinfect spaces, even while people are present. The three-bulb design evenly distributes all around the device, deactivating microorganisms in the air and on surfaces in seconds
It was my role as the Lead Industrial Designer to bring R-Zero's soft and reassuring design language to the triangular bulb configuration while balancing constraints around mounting, maintenance, and component layout.
Role
Lead Industrial Design
Lead Industrial Design
Phases
Research, Concept Development , Design Development, Manufacturing Support
Credits
Fred Bould // Design Direction
Anson Cheung // Design Direction
Martin Duhayon // Industrial Design
Research, Concept Development , Design Development, Manufacturing Support
Credits
Fred Bould // Design Direction
Anson Cheung // Design Direction
Martin Duhayon // Industrial Design
Unlike other UV-C wavelengths, 222 nm light is safe for human skin and eyes (under certain thresholds), making Vive completely safe for use in occupied spaces.
We tested mounting options to ensure we had a solution that would work for a variety of install scenarios, such as drop ceilings and pole mounts.
