What are studwall cavities used for in building construction?

Studwall cavities play a significant role in building construction, particularly concerning the distribution of air in HVAC systems. When used as air plenums, these cavities allow for the essential circulation of conditioned air throughout the building. This is especially important in commercial settings where proper airflow is necessary for temperature control and maintaining air quality. By serving as conduits for air movement, studwall cavities help to optimize the efficiency of heating and cooling systems.

While studwall cavities can also accommodate electrical wiring and serve insulation purposes, their primary function in this context relates to their contribution to air circulation. Enhancing structural integrity is generally not a primary purpose of studwall cavities; instead, structural support comes from the framing and quality of materials used in construction. Therefore, in the specific context of HVAC design and airflow management, utilizing studwall cavities as air plenums is the most accurate answer.