Denver Shipping Container Drive-Thru

Project completed during tenure at Starbucks Coffee Co. Images copyright of Starbucks.

Overview

This project is a 450-square-foot modular drive-thru cafe for Starbucks Coffee Company, located in Denver, Colorado. Completed in 2013, it is the second iteration of a shipping container approach that Starbucks introduced to highlight sustainable construction and a quick off-site build process. The design phase and construction concluded in approximately nine months.

Project Goals

Create a drive-thru cafe that meets sustainability targets, including LEED certification.
Deliver a fast-track build schedule by leveraging pre-fabrication and modular assembly.
Showcase a bold exterior aesthetic in alignment with Starbucks’ regional modern style.
Incorporate reclaimed and recycled materials as part of the brand’s eco-conscious shift.
Maintain flexibility for potential relocation and future adjustments.

Design and Implementation

Layout/Structural Changes

Two shipping containers (one 40-foot unit and one 20-foot unit) were combined to form a compact space for employees, drive-thru functions, and a small walk-up window. The 20-foot container was placed perpendicular to the 40-foot container, creating a “hammerhead” shape that accommodates service windows on both sides.

Materials and Finishes

Recycled wood cladding from Wyoming barns, black steel frames, and custom rainscreens combine to establish a blend of warmth and modernity. The containers were salvaged from the shipping industry and refitted to offer a sturdy, compact shell. Powder-coated steel elements anchor trellis structures for vines and emphasize the sustainable character of the design.

Key Elements
- Efficient use of a small footprint to include order and pick-up windows.
- LEED-focused systems (water and energy management, eco-friendly materials).
- BIM modeling for precise off-site fabrication and streamlined on-site assembly.
- Flexible foundation points that allow the structure to be relocated when needed.

Challenges

Meeting a strict nine-month deadline called for tight coordination between design and construction teams.
Preserving the integrity of steel containers required special detailing to prevent water intrusion and avoid cutting or drilling into structural elements.
Integrating new finishes and features into the existing container dimensions demanded careful planning in the BIM model.

Outcome

The Denver Shipping Container Drive-Thru was successfully delivered on an accelerated schedule and gained recognition for its sustainable design and modular building approach. It demonstrated that retail structures can be created with reused materials while still matching brand standards and meeting operational needs. The project’s off-site construction and reclaimed materials set a strong example for future modular projects in both retail and beyond.