This New Taiwanese Starbucks Is Constructed From 29 Reinforced Shipping Containers

Noted Japanese architect firm Kengo Kuma and Associates has partnered with Starbucks in the past, having designed the expressive concept-style outpost in Fukuoka, Japan, however, tried something outside its core ethos with the recent opening of Taiwan’s Hualien Bay Mall chapter. The coffee giant earlier divulged future plans to build and operate eco-friendly stores by 2025, part of which calls for large recycled shipping containers to be used.

Not new to the coffee chain by any means, Starbucks already has 45 U.S.-based storefronts that have been constructed using such containers, and later brought this idea to Kuma for its new Taiwan set up. Spread out across two floors, a total of 29 reinforced shipping containers were assembled and later painted white to give off a neutral, yet clean aesthetic. The interior overlooks a nearby mountain range while highlighting a creative wall mural, representative of Taiwan’s aboriginal Amis people.

In case you missed it, MVRDV built a warped nightclub and indoor theme park in Seoul.