Washington Cascade Range's New Mountain Commons: A Fresh Mass Timber Icon Reaching for the Summit
Author and Photography Credits: Talking Forests
Have you ever smelled fresh mountain air with wood?
Crystal Mountain Resort was purchased by Alterra Mountain Co. in 2018 and built a new mass timber base lodge. At the heart of this transformative initiative stands the Mountain Commons, a remarkable 25,000-square-foot food hall designed to redefine the base area experience. It is a bold statement of architectural innovation and environmental stewardship, crafted with prominent mass timber elements that blend seamlessly with the alpine environment.
The Mountain Commons stemmed from a vision to create a centralized and elevated dining and gathering space at the base of the resort, what a rebirth. This significant undertaking replaced the old rental operation, the chapel, and the Right Angle shop, consolidating essential services into a state-of-the-art facility. With demolition and construction commencing in the summer of 2022, the project aimed to open its doors by spring 2024, promising a new era for Crystal Mountain visitors. Its design incorporates crescent-shaped rooflines that gracefully face both the upper and lower plazas, offering inviting outdoor seating areas.
A Pioneer in Alpine Mass Timber Construction
What truly sets the Mountain Commons apart is its embrace of mass timber construction. The building prominently features "handsome CLT mass timber elements" that are visible both outside and inside the glassy structure. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is a modern engineered wood product known for its strength, stability, and aesthetic appeal. The use of mass timber not only contributes to the building's striking visual presence but also aligns with contemporary sustainable building practices. Crystal Mountain’s overarching dedication to environmental preservation, which would naturally extend to their choice of building materials.
The journey to bring the Mountain Commons to life was not without its challenges, primarily due to the unique alpine environment. The project team, including HHJ as the local builder and architect, working alongside national design firm Bull Stockwell Allen, faced significant hurdles. A large amount of snow posed considerable complications during the framing process. The project team came up with creative solutions. With meticulous planning, the construction teams navigated these weather-related obstacles. They worked diligently around the resort's operating hours, ensuring steady progress. Despite these challenges, the exterior and envelope of the two-level building were completed, with kitchen equipment awaiting installation and the majority of the remaining work focused on the interior.
Sustainability Is Integrated from Construction to Operation
Crystal Mountain's commitment to sustainability is deeply embedded in its operations, and the Mountain Commons project exemplifies this ethos. During the construction of the Mountain Commons, the resort implemented various waste reduction and recycling programs, demonstrating a conscious effort to minimize environmental impact.
On-site for reuse resulted in:
354 tons of concrete reused
150 round-trip truckloads from Enumclaw to Crystal saved, significantly reducing emissions
312 tons of landfill waste diverted
40 tons of steel recycled
These efforts resulted in an impressive 56% recycling rate for construction materials, promoting sustainability in the very fabric of the new Mountain Commons Lodge. This commitment to reducing waste and conserving resources during the build reinforces the resort's dedication to protecting the environment.
Sustainable for the Future
The Mountain Commons will integrate with Crystal Mountain's broader sustainability initiatives that continue to evolve. The resort encourages guests to recycle snack and candy wrappers through Terra Cycle bins located in lodges. Crystal Mountain has continued its use of 100% compostable to-go containers and expanded their availability to new dining locations, a crucial element for a food hall like the Mountain Commons. To reduce its carbon footprint, the resort also offers fully vegetarian options at all its food venues. Even the choice to eliminate cash payments, requiring cards or payment apps, contributes to streamlined, potentially less resource-intensive operations.
The resort has also introduced eight new universal EV charging stations, which are free to use and compatible with any car, opening up possibilities for guests visiting Crystal Mountain and Mount Rainier National Park. These stations allow guests to charge their vehicles while enjoying a full day on the slopes, supporting the resort's goal to reduce emissions and enhance accessibility. Looking ahead, Crystal Mountain plans to implement on-mountain composting using a BioSpeed machine, aiming for a full circle waste solution that minimizes methane release and reduces waste by 70-90%. They are also repurposing used frying oil to heat the Vehicle Maintenance Shop, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. These initiatives, though not exclusively tied to the Mountain Commons building itself, reflect the resort's holistic approach to environmental stewardship, which the new lodge will undoubtedly benefit from and contribute to.
Elevating the Guest Experience
The Mountain Commons is set to significantly enhance the guest experience at Crystal Mountain. We were very surprised to see it under way with excited staff to show us the building for a blog article.
While construction was underway, temporary solutions like the big white yurt provided snacks and boot-tightening services. The small Rafters restaurant remained, and the outdoor Fireside area began offering breakfast. The new food hall will provide extensive dining options. The resort has invested in new technology to streamline arrivals: a new row of kiosks will allow guests to print pre-ordered tickets, and the new RFID system for tickets and season passes ensures a seamless entry, allowing a simple hip check at the gondola gates without fumbling for passes. These modern conveniences are a clear benefit of the resort's ongoing investment.
The Wooden Road Ahead
The Mountain Commons is a significant milestone, but it is just one phase of Crystal Mountain's extensive redevelopment plans. Future phases are slated to include the construction of a new hotel at the base and a replacement for the venerable Summit House, though specific schedules for these projects have not yet been announced.
In conclusion, the Mountain Commons represents a monumental leap forward for Crystal Mountain Resort. It is not merely a base lodge but a fusion of innovative mass timber architecture, a commitment to sustainable practices, and a dedication to an unparalleled guest experience. This 25,000-square-foot food hall, built with handsome CLT elements and a strong focus on construction recycling, embodies the resort's vision for a modern, environmentally conscious, and welcoming alpine destination.
Mountain Commons Project Team:
Local Builder and Architect: HHJ
National Design Firm: Bull Stockwell Allen
Owner's Representative: DLDT of Georgia
Civil and Structural Engineer: KPFF Consulting Engineers
MEP, Fire, and Lighting: Stantec
Mass Timber Supplier: ?
Landscape Architect: Berger Partnership
Kitchen Consultant: Jedrziewski Designs
