Custom Window Nook with Integrated HVAC Channeling

The Challenge

The homeowners sought a bespoke cushioned window bench under their scenic bedroom windows to provide cozy reading seating with deep pull-out storage drawers. However, the prime building zone sat directly over an existing floor-mounted HVAC supply register providing vital heating and airflow to the perimeter wall.

Traditional millwork approaches either choke register airflow or require costly sheet metal rerouting through subflooring.

Before State Exposed subfloor with high-output supply register in the bench footprint.

Parametric Model Internal plenum designed to bypass drawer boxes directly into toe-kick.

The Engineering Solution

We developed a custom insulated sheet-metal plenum built seamlessly into the internal structure of the cabinetry carcass. Using 3D CAD modeling, drawer depths were adjusted to isolate the mechanical airflow path from stored linens and blankets.

The supply air routes 90-degrees through a hidden duct run and vents out through a custom architectural slotted toe-kick grill, preserving full volumetric CFM airflow while yielding a flush, gorgeous window seat.