This 275-Square-Foot Tiny House Literally Runs on Dunkin’ Donuts Coffee

Written by

Nicoletta RichardsonEntertainment Editor
Nicoletta RichardsonEntertainment Editor
In her spare time, Nicoletta loves marathoning the latest Netflix show, doing at-home workouts, and nurturing her plant babies. Her work has appeared in Women’s Health, AFAR, Tasting Table, and Travel + Leisure, among others. A graduate from Fairfield University, Nicoletta…read more
published Oct 2, 2018
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(Image credit: Dunkin’ Donuts)

Since 2006, Dunkin’ Donuts (soon to be just “Dunkin'”) has been using the tagline “America Runs On Dunkin’.” And, over the years, that term caught fire and has now become part of the beloved coffee brand’s reputation.

And as of today, Dunkin’ Donuts’ caffeinated products are fueling more than just people. Say hello to the 275-square-foot Home That Runs on Dunkin’, the first-ever tiny house running solely on recycled coffee grounds.

Developed by Blue Marble, this biofuel blend is made of 80% spent coffee oil and is then mixed with 20% alcohol, which lets the fuel burn efficiently. This eco-friendly model that runs off of 65,000 pounds of coffee grounds is not only great for minimizing waste, but it is also a possible sufficient way to power vehicles and homes of the future.

(Image credit: Dunkin’ Donuts)

But this caffeine-powered structure is much more than just a sustainable example. The exterior design is meant to reflect Dunkin’ Donuts as a brand, complete with black-stained cedar wood representing that first cup of morning coffee, and corten steel panels with a dusty finish that is symbolic of coffee grounds.

Olivia Wilde has partnered with Dunkin’ Donuts on crafting the interior of the one-of-a-kind tiny home, incorporating her own personality into the design. From the slate countertops to the walnut floors and the high-quality appliances, the home’s chic aesthetic represents the actress’s unique taste and modern eye—with not-so-subtle touches of pink and orange, of course.

“I’m thrilled to be joining forces with Dunkin’ Donuts Coffee at Home, giving me the opportunity to be part of opening the Home that Runs on Dunkin’,” says Wilde. “The tiny home is truly unique, from the architectural layout, to the interior design, and the generator is powered by spent coffee grounds.”

Now your next question might be, where is this tiny home going to exist? From October 4-6, New York City locals and tourists can explore the Home That Runs on Dunkin’ in real life. The living space will be on display at Madison Square Park from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, where guests can enjoy home tours, free coffee samples, and prize giveaways.

And if you don’t live in the area, don’t sweat it. Coffee lovers and tiny home fans can take a 360-degree tour of the project here.