Pass Life Way

Reimagining Mountain Living 
The Pass Life, is a multi-phase project to create a walkable, year-round mountain community at Snoqualmie Pass founded by Evolution Projects (the development arm of outdoor retailer Evo). Situated at the intersection of Route 906 and Pass Life Way, the neighborhood includes mountain homes arranged in a circular formation around a heated pool, community room, and shared firepit. Residents have direct access to the slopes of The Summit at Snoqualmie ski area, as well as nearby restaurants, a brewery, a converted historic firehouse that now houses a market, coworking space, and visitor center. 

Mass Timber + Modular Prefabrication 
Ten of the homes were built using a combination of prefabricated modular units and panelized roof systems, enabling rapid on-site assembly in a challenging alpine environment that receives heavy snowfall. Approximately 1,250 SF apiece, the homes feature two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and outdoor balconies designed to maximize mountain views. Emphasizing both durability and efficiency, they align with the broader Pass Life vision of a sustainable “mountain town of the future.” 

The structural system is a hybrid of wood and steel framing, combined with prefabricated Mass Plywood Panel (MPP) roofs. Foundations were site-built to anchor the modular homes, while factory-built modules and panelized roof components were transported to the site and installed. 

Key structural components include: 
• Mass Plywood Panel (MPP) roofs providing enhanced strength and structural continuity to resist extreme alpine loads including snow (450 psf design load), seismic forces, and high winds.
• Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL), Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL), and Mass Ply Lams (MPL) used in primary structural elements including beams, columns, and headers, delivering superior load resistance and dimensional stability compared to conventional lumber.
• Hybrid wood and steel framing system combining the flexibility of timber-frame construction with strategic steel connections and reinforcement at critical load transfer points, enabling efficient modular assembly while meeting seismic requirements.
• Light-frame wood construction with I-joists and dimensional lumber providing framing flexibility and construction speed while maintaining structural performance in floor and wall systems.
• Wood structural panels integrated into the lateral force-resisting system through strategically placed shear walls and diaphragms that work in conjunction with the MPP roof system and wood sheathed floor systems. 
• Specialized fasteners and hardware engineered for both modular transportation requirements and long-term durability under repeated snow and seismic loading cycles.
• Advanced coatings and treatments applied to exposed timber elements to ensure longevity in the high-moisture alpine environment.

Design Features and Community Integration 
Large windows and exposed timber elements provide natural light and warmth, while heated sidewalks and gear storage meet the practical needs of year-round mountain residents. The community-oriented layout—pool, shared firepit, and gathering spaces—encourages connection among residents and visitors.  

Broader Development Context 
The Pass Life neighborhood includes other key anchors such as the Washington State Ski & Snowboard Museum, brewery, restaurant, and mixed-use hub. Future phases envision additional housing and trail connections that extend the development’s emphasis on sustainable, community-centered mountain living. 

A Model for Alpine Housing Innovation 
Pass Life Way demonstrates how modular efficiency and mass timber can converge in a high-snow, high-seismic environment. The project provides insight into the use of prefabrication and timber systems as tools for reducing construction timelines, improving material efficiency, and delivering durable, comfortable homes in a demanding mountain climate.