Starbucks Concept Stores Designed by Renowned Architects

If you’re someone who appreciates great design over a good cup of coffee—or just wonders why some coffee shops feel like architectural landmarks—then two recent Starbucks concept stores might catch your attention. These aren’t your typical coffee spots. They’re carefully crafted spaces that turn drinking coffee into a spatial experience.

In short: Two new Starbucks concept stores—one in Fukuoka, Japan, designed by Kengo Kuma, and another in Amsterdam, Netherlands, by Liz Muller—showcase how architecture can redefine the coffee shop. The Japanese store uses 6cm diagonal wooden slats and container materials, while the Dutch one repurposes a historic bank with 1,800 hand-cut wooden roof pieces and 430 square meters of reclaimed design elements.

Starbucks in Fukuoka: A Wooden Oasis by Kengo Kuma

The Starbucks store that opened in February this year in Dazaifu, near the famous Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Fukuoka, Japan, is a collaboration with renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. Known for his innovative use of wood and natural materials, Kuma has created a space that blends into its traditional surroundings while feeling like a modern refuge.

The exterior features a square wooden lattice structure, with 6-centimeter-thick diagonal wooden slats covering both the walls and ceilings. This design continues inside the café, creating a layered, three-dimensional wood effect. The entire building is constructed using shipping containers, giving it a contemporary edge that still respects the local street scene. Inside, the space feels like a nest in a forest—safe, immersive, and filled with natural textures.

Amsterdam’s Historic Bank Turned Coffee House

Another eye-catching Starbucks concept store recently opened in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Housed in a historically significant former bank, this location spans an impressive 430 square meters, making it the largest Starbucks in Europe. The lead designer, Liz Muller, embraced the building’s banking heritage and assembled a creative team of artists and craftspeople for the interior.

The space includes extensive use of oak furniture, antique Delft tiles, and walls made from recycled tire inner tubes. A standout feature is the undulating wooden ceiling, assembled from 1,800 individually cut wooden blocks—a technique that echoes Kuma’s wooden layering but with a distinctly European grandeur. The original marble and concrete floors were also restored. Behind the café is a bakery with a lifting performance stage for live music and poetry readings. This location also offers exclusive hand-brewed coffees and specialty food items you won’t find in regular Starbucks stores.

Why These Concept Stores Matter

Starbucks has faced growing competition and market saturation in recent years. Its once-dominant presence has softened, and the brand is now exploring new strategies through concept stores. These aren’t just about selling coffee—they’re about creating memorable environments that attract customers for the experience as much as the drink.

Both the Japanese and Dutch locations demonstrate how high-concept design can elevate the brand. While previous concept stores in the U.S. and Hong Kong received lukewarm responses, these new ones have been widely praised for their architectural ambition and immersive details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the new Starbucks concept store designed by Kengo Kuma located?

The Kengo Kuma-designed Starbucks concept store is located in Dazaifu, Fukuoka, Japan, near the historic Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. It opened in February and features a distinctive wooden lattice facade and interior design using 6cm diagonal wooden slats.

What makes the Amsterdam Starbucks concept store unique?

The Amsterdam Starbucks, designed by Liz Muller, is located in a former bank and covers 430 square meters. It features a 1,800-piece wooden ceiling, oak furnishings, recycled tire tile walls, and a performance stage in the bakery area. It’s the largest Starbucks store in Europe.

Who are the architects behind these Starbucks concept stores?

The Fukuoka Starbucks was designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, known for his work with wood and natural materials. The Amsterdam store was designed by Liz Muller, who led a team of artists and craftspeople to redesign the former bank space.

Do these concept stores offer different products?

Yes, both concept stores offer exclusive items not found in regular Starbucks locations. The Amsterdam store, for example, serves unique hand-brewed coffees and specialty foods, enhancing the premium experience.

Why is Starbucks opening concept stores like these?

Starbucks is responding to increased market competition and saturation by experimenting with concept stores that focus on architectural design and immersive customer experiences, aiming to refresh its brand image.

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