Skip to content
Food

Starbucks Taiwan Recycled Shipping Containers Shop Opened

By Minjun ParkJapan
1 min read
kengo kuma drive thru starbucks taiwan dezeen 1704 hero a 852x480 1
kengo kuma drive thru starbucks taiwan dezeen 1704 hero a 852×480 1
In this article (5)

Starbucks Taiwan has opened a store made entirely of shipping containers in Hualien Bay Mall.

The 29 containers have been stacked as building blocks designed to resemble the uneven foliage of a coffee bush at the yet-to-open mall that will launch as a tourist spot with views of the Pacific.

The new Starbucks Taiwan cafe is constructed following the “Starbucks Greener Stores” initiative for sustainable store building using reclaimable materials and green design principles. The interior features a large mural celebrating the aboriginal Amis people of Hualien.

According to the brand’s press release, “The stacking of the shipping containers created a much taller space and provides natural sunlight throughout the various skylights found throughout the structure.”

Starbucks has now opened 40 locations built from shipping containers. This 320sqm structure is the first to be designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, known for his reinterpretation of traditional styles. Kuma has designed multiple iconic locations for Starbucks.

Questions & Answers

Q.

What is the new Starbucks store made from and what does its design represent?

A.

The new Starbucks store in Hualien Bay Mall is constructed entirely from 29 shipping containers. These containers are stacked to mimic the uneven foliage of a coffee bush, reflecting the brand's connection to coffee.

Q.

Who designed this specific Starbucks location and what is notable about their involvement?

A.

The Hualien Bay Mall Starbucks is the first store designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. Kuma is renowned for reinterpreting traditional styles and has previously created multiple iconic locations for Starbucks.

Q.

How does this new store align with Starbucks' broader sustainability efforts?

A.

This store adheres to the “Starbucks Greener Stores” initiative, focusing on sustainable building practices. It uses reclaimable materials and green design principles, aiming for environmental responsibility in its construction.

Q.

What unique features does the interior of the new Hualien Bay store offer?

A.

The interior has a large mural that pays tribute to the aboriginal Amis people of Hualien. Also, the stacking of containers creates a tall, spacious environment with natural sunlight filtering through various skylights.

Reader pulse

Does this container store concept offer a competitive advantage?

15,781 votes so far

Weekly Briefing

Asia's retail intelligence, in your inbox

Tuesday, Thursday and a Saturday Weekly Wrap: the retail stories, numbers and moves that mattered across Asia. Nothing else, and you can unsubscribe in one click.

  • Top industry moves and market shifts
  • Weekly data-driven analysis from across Asia
  • Tuesday, Thursday and the Saturday Weekly Wrap

Read by retail operators, investors and brand teams across Asia.

Protected by a quick human check. No spam, ever. Unsubscribe in one click.

SecureGDPR ready