Coffee Drive-Thru in Birmingham: Where Sustainability Meets Premium Performance
When a global coffee chain set out to create its new drive-thru in Birmingham, sustainability was at the heart of the project.
Every material, process, and partner had to support their ambition of achieving BREEAM Excellent, while also reflecting the premium quality which customers expect from the global coffee brand.
That’s why the team turned to Accoya®, an ultra-durable, sustainably sourced, modified timber, finished with Teknos.
A combination which has 20+ years of proven performance.
The Challenge
For a brand like this, the exterior has to look welcoming and premium on day one, but also continue performing year after year, despite the challenges of the UK climate.
The project required a cladding solution which would:
- Be sustainably sourced and environmentally certified
- Have proven performance
- Help the building meet stringent BREEAM sustainability targets
The Partners Behind the Project
This wasn’t a project delivered in isolation. It was the result of close collaboration between a number of specialist partners:
Accoya®: Providing modified timber with FSC® certification and a 50+ year service life, backed by Cradle to Cradle Gold certification.
Vincent Timber Ltd: Supplying and machining the Accoya cladding, ensuring precision and efficiency through their Birmingham facility.
James E. Hatch & Son: Applying the full Teknos coating system in factory-controlled conditions for consistency and quality.
The Solution
The building was clad in Accoya wood finished with Teknos coatings in the shade Cotswold Oak, chosen for its natural look and premium warmth.
The coating system:
1x Teknos preservative
1x Teknos Base stain, tinted Cotswold Oak
2x Teknos AQUATOP, also in Cotswold Oak
This system not only protects the timber from the elements but enhances its appearance, ensuring the Starbucks store maintains its premium aesthetic for many years to come.
By completing the coating at the factory, James E. Hatch & Sons guaranteed a consistent finish, reduced site waste, and minimised disruption—another step towards sustainable construction practice.
Why This Matters
The project demonstrates what can be achieved when sustainable building materials are paired with trusted, high-performance coatings.
For architects and specifiers: It’s a blueprint for how premium timber cladding can meet both sustainability and performance demands.
For building owners and operators: It proves that eco-friendly choices don’t mean compromising on durability or appearance.
For the coatings industry: It reinforces the role Teknos plays in protecting natural materials, extending service life, and reducing environmental impact.
In Their Words
Laura Keily, Accsys Technologies PLC:
“By specifying Accoya wood there is no compromise on performance and sustainability, which is key to the Starbucks 2030 commitment.”
Vincent Timber Ltd:
“Thanks to the support and quick turnaround from our partners, we were able to deliver a successful project on time and to budget that the end client was very happy with.”
Conclusion
Teknos AQUATOP is designed to help manufacturers, architects, and developers achieve more with less: less waste, less overspray, and less environmental impact—while delivering premium finishes with proven performance.
The Birmingham drive-thru is more than just another coffee store. It’s a case study in how global brands can bring sustainability and premium performance together in the built environment. With Accoya timber, Teknos coatings, and expert partners like Vincent Timber and James E. Hatch & Sons, a project which meets the highest standards of both design and responsibility has been delivered.
Project overview
Material: Accoya® ultra-high-performance, sustainably sourced modified timber
Cladding Specialist: Vincent Timber Ltd
Coating & Finish: Teknos AQUATOP TRANSLUCENT system - applied by James E. Hatch and Son
Sustainability Commitment: BREEAM Excellent target, aligned with Starbucks’ 2030 sustainability goals
