Service hole in a double story house?

I'm in the process of finalizing my plan for a new build and I have a so-called "service hole" in my building design as shown below - circled red. My builder says that it's a premium feature. I've checked many other plans but I have never seen a provision of a "service hole" for a 2 story building. Maybe it's common in apartments, I do not know.

This is the upper floor. So, above it is the roof. There are already 3 air-con ducts in the design. The service hole carries plumbing pipes instead of through the wall - so I was told. Not sure if that is accurate or useful.

Please can you someone shed some light on:
- How useful is it?
- I'm thinking to get rid of it for some kind of storage. Should I?


Thanks.

 

What's above it?
It could be used for air-con ducting or plumbing.

 

This is the upper floor. So, above it is the roof. There are already 3 air-con ducts in the design. The service hole carries plumbing pipes instead of through the wall - so I was told. Not sure if that is accurate or useful.

 

My parent’s 2 storey 1970’s home has a laundry chute hole. Completely unnecessary.

 

Yeah, agree. Not necessary.

 

Totally closed box- premium feature? I’d only think about manhole to go up to roof!

 

It sounds like a riser shaft. But not sure

 

Yeah sounds dodgy to me too.

 

Thanks, I did not know about that. But I believe it does not make sense for a 2 story house.

 

It's a design flaw. It serves no purpose (based on your description). It's a filled in, left over space - dealing with the poor alignment of the study/bedroom wall. It's certainly not a premium feature. Some would say it's a mistake, or poor design. Either way - it's certainly not an extra/bonus

 

They were my thoughts too.

Pipes & vents can be run through studs, air-con has already been catered for elsewhere.

The builder is seeking extra for a sheet of gyprock? What's their alternative - deleting some wall framing & lining the niche which remains & could be used for open shelving or storage depending on the configuration of the study nook.

 

When you say that the builder is calling it a "premium feature" are they indicating that it is an additional cost ?

Yes I would do away with (or reduce) the wall to the study nook, purely so that any blinds/curtains can be returned into this space when open allowing full light in via the sliding door glass.

PS, its a hall, access to bedrooms & balcony
It looks to only be 1200-1600mm wide, not like you could put a desk in there

 

Can you have a door put on it to access from the study?
You can never have enough storage space.

 

I have asked them to remove it and put a niche there so that at least a book shelf can be put. Thanks for your reply.

 

I don't think a door can fit in there but at least some sort of shelving can be done.

 

They are not indicating an additional cost but would be some cost to create a space.

 

Bookshelves would be ideal in a study.