Teapot Dome Service Station
The Teapot Dome Service Station in Washington state, USA, is a former gas station regarded as a classic example of mimetic architecture.
Built in the shape of a teapot, it was one of many such novelty buildings found along highways as ‘attractions’ during the 1920s and 30s. However, this building is more significant than most as it was an architectural reminder of a government scandal.
The Teapot Dome Scandal of 1921-22 involved bribery and corruption in avoiding competitive bidding on petroleum reserves. It had a damaging impact on the then-President Warren Harding, and the Interior Secretary Albert Fall was sent to prison. Some of the reserves were located at Teapot Dome, Wyoming.
The building was hand-crafted and built in 1922 on what would become known as Route 12. Measuring 14 ft in diameter, it comprises a circular frame clad in timber shingles, with a conical roof, sheet metal in the shape of a teapot handle, and a concrete stove pipe that was constructed to resemble a spout.
The service station remained operational until 1978 when Interstate 82 was built nearby. It was then badly damaged by a car and reconstructed 1.2 miles away. In 2012, it was moved to its current location at 117 First Avenue, Zillah, Washington, and completely restored. Having been listed on the US National Register of Historic Places, it now serves as a visitor centre and tourist attraction.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.