Starbucks, the world’s most recognizable coffee brand, has always prioritized innovation and sustainability in its business practices. With a focus on reducing its environmental impact, the company introduced a groundbreaking idea—building a retail store using recycled shipping containers. One of the first of its kind, the Tukwila Starbucks container store is a testament to this commitment to eco-friendly innovation.
Located just south of Seattle in Tukwila, Washington, this unique coffee shop is known as the Reclamation Drive-Thru. Situated near the King County International Airport and Boeing facilities, it serves both walk-up and drive-through customers.
The Birth of the Reclamation Drive-Thru
Starbucks’ headquarters in Seattle provided the perfect backdrop for the idea. Designers could see shipping containers being moved at the Port of Seattle, inspiring them to integrate these durable, reusable structures into store designs. The goal was to create an eco-conscious store that aligned with Starbucks’ global sustainability efforts while sparking conversation about innovative architecture.
Anthony Perez, Starbucks’ Global Store Design Senior Manager, envisioned stores that were “green, thought-provoking, and sustainable.” His team embraced the challenge, successfully transforming end-of-life shipping containers into a functional and visually striking retail space.
Eco-Friendly Design and Sustainability Goals
The Tukwila container store repurposed four used shipping containers for the building, plus a fifth container for storage and waste management. By reclaiming these containers from scrap, Starbucks reduced supply chain waste and contributed to sustainable construction practices.
The project also incorporated xeriscaping, rainwater collection systems, and repurposed container corrugation for signage. Highly efficient soy-based spray foam insulation and shade from upper containers ensured energy efficiency while maintaining comfortable temperatures.
Creative Challenges in Container Construction
Designing the store required innovative thinking due to the unmodifiable dimensions of the containers. The ground floor consists of two containers arranged in an L-shape—a 40-foot-long container and a 16-foot-long section. Above them, two additional 40-foot containers form the upper level, adding height and serving as a canvas for branding and artwork.
Inside, the designers maximized the 448 square feet of usable space to include workstations for three baristas, equipment, and storage. Despite the small footprint, the layout is highly functional, with service windows for both drive-through and walk-up customers.
Functional and Unique Layout of Tukwila’s Container Store
The two upper containers enhance the store’s visual appeal and functionality. Open ends with intricate metal screens allow for natural ventilation, housing HVAC systems in an energy-efficient manner. Outside, customers can enjoy seating areas and shade canopies, offering a place to relax in the open air.
The compact design prioritizes sustainability while maintaining the signature Starbucks experience. The store’s modular construction also means it can be relocated if necessary, highlighting the flexibility of shipping container architecture.
Recognition and Legacy of the Shipping Container Starbucks
Completed in December 2011, the Tukwila container store earned LEED certification in 2013, showcasing its environmental achievements. Though the store closed in 2021, it remains an iconic example of how companies can embrace sustainability through innovative design.
Starbucks has since expanded its container store concept to other cities, reinforcing its dedication to eco-friendly retail spaces. The Tukwila store stands as a reminder of the potential of shipping containers to create meaningful, sustainable architecture.