Another well conditioned attic space…
Defect…
Explaining stupidity as to WHY …
is beyond comprehension…
So indulge us with your thoughts as to what you think this is all about…
You know, the stupid part.
Well, the puzzle pieces that were cut out (and laying on the attic floor) were originally cut in a circle, which indicates that this was their first idea of where to insert the duct.
The square cut was secondary and I couldn’t even guess why they did it.
This bank-owned house was built in 2009. I guess they couldn’t afford the monthly energy bill. 
Homeless dude living in the attic wanted some cool air was the electric meter jumpered;-)
Prolly where they were living so they couldn’t hear the door bell ringing with the Repo Man waiting with their paperwork.