Patent ID: 8720137

Claim:
An architectural element for centralizing the location of core utility systems in the design and construction of interior space environments wherein said architectural element is assembled in situ and forms a space defining an elongated shape, said shape defined by a horizontal cross section having an elongated central rectangular portion having a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein said first end portion projects perpendicular to said central portion in a first direction and said second end portion projects perpendicular to said central portion in the first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction, wherein said first end portion is parallel to said second end portion, said architectural element comprising: a structural frame, said structural frame comprising: a plurality of lightweight C-shape horizontal top and bottom metal tracks having pre-drilled pilot holes; a plurality of pre-cut lightweight vertical C-shape metal studs having pre-drilled pilot holes wherein said pre-drilled pilot holes of said plurality of metal studs are aligned with said pre-drilled pilot holes of said plurality of top and bottom metal tracks and fastened using self-tapping screws forming said structural frame, said structural frame forming said elongated shape; wherein said structural frame is formed with access openings for residential or commercial environments and is capable of receiving interior wall finishing materials; a plurality of supporting C-shape horizontal metal track guides having pre-drilled pilot holes wherein said supporting metal track guides are fastened to said plurality of vertical metal studs about 36″ above said plurality of bottom tracks by self-tapping screws through said pre-drilled pilot holes; fire-treated plywood platform insert sheets having a thickness of about 3/4″ placed on top of said plurality of track guides forming a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) mechanical equipment compartment plenum base having a pre-determined cut-out and a hot water heating equipment compartment base; a plurality of horizontal sheet metal liner trays having pre-drilled pilot holes, wherein said plurality of liner trays are placed between said plurality of bottom tracks, on top of said plurality of track guides, and on top of said platform insert sheets, wherein said plurality of metal liner trays are fastened by self-tapping screws; a preformed insulated sheet metal HVAC supply duct having a pre-determined size to fit within said architectural element placed on said plurality of track guides, said duct having openings for air distribution.