starbucks drive thru and walk up store made from shipping containers

starbucks reclamation drive-thru and walk-up store in seattle made from shipping containers
photo by tom ackerman / starbucks

tukwila, a suburb of seattle, is home to the first starbucks drive thru and walk-up store, made from four refurbished shipping containers. the concept behind the design was influenced by the company imports of the coffee and tea goods from abroad, all transported from across the globe in such cargo containers. ‘reclamation drive-thru was inspired by a desire to help keep items used throughout our supply chain, like old shipping containers, out of the waste stream,’ states anthony p., global store design senior manager of starbucks. the volumes offer a total area of 450-square feet for all of the service and retail components, with an additional small 20-foot container used for garbage, recycling and storage. the shop speaks of starbucks’ commitment to reducing their overall environmental footprint, moving towards a greener more sustainable business. the project has now sparked discussion within starbucks on ways in which the brand can extend the application of shipping containers to prefabrication projects or for exterior furniture and accessories to be used at various locations in the future.

four shipping containers offer 450-square feet of retail space
photo by tom ackerman / starbucks

art decorates the containers
photo by tom ackerman / starbucks

walk-up service area
photo by tom ackerman / starbucks

initial concept rendering of the shop
render © starbucks

render © starbucks