The 3D printed architecture is becoming more and more popular in the retail industry.
In September 2024, Walmart worked with the 3D 3D concrete printing company 3D to build a 3D printed building of almost 8,000 square feet and 20 feet in a store in Athens, Tennessee. This is the first time that Walmart has used 3D printing technology to extend its store, and it has also become one of the largest commercial concrete structures printed in 3D in the United States.
In March 2025, according to the Resource Library, Starbucks also announced the launch of its own 3D printing physical store. The Starbucks Drive-in Café in Brownsville, Texas, is undergoing gently on avenue Boca Chica, with concrete walls and brand logos currently installed.
Innovative architecture: Starbucks 3D printing unveiled
The news of the 3D printed building was released for the first time in December 2024, and the local social media accounts shared videos and photos of the construction site, which attracted generalized attention. The Brownsville wrote today in a leading title: “The first commercial building printed in 3D in the valley rises from Brownsville! It is a Starbucks! According to workers,” by February, you can have a coffee here. “”
According to the latest on -site photos published, we can see that the main structure of the 3D printed store with a construction zone of approximately 1,400 square feet has been completed, and the exterior wall retains the single layer texture of 3D printed concrete. The access infrastructure to Windows and Drive-In is also installed. Although Starbucks has not disclosed more details, judging by the construction method and the characteristics of the building, the project is very likely to be completed by Peri 3D Construction using the 3D printer of Cobod.
In the global 3D construction industry, Cobod is a well -deserved leader in industry. Data show that almost 40% of 3D printed buildings around the world are currently using Cobod equipment. A recent representative case is the social housing project printed in 3D in Ireland, which consists of three townhouses and is completed in just 132 working days, which is a period of construction of 35% larger than traditional construction methods.
This Starbucks in Brownsville is not only a coffee, but also an intuitive reflection of digital and automated changes in the construction industry. With the continuous maturity of 3D printing technology, the construction cycle of commercial buildings will still be shortened, while reducing material waste and carbon emissions, and the promotion of a more environmentally friendly and sustainable construction method.
It may be predictable that after the completion of this 3D printed starbucks, it will become a dazzling benchmark in the region, and it will also provide a demonstration case with a reference value for the global commercial construction industry. In the future, we can see similar 3D printed buildings in more cities. From retail space to residential and infrastructure, 3D printing is gradually changing the appearance of our city.
