Seattle is undergoing a quiet housing revolution. With relaxed zoning rules, developers are connecting homes with skybridges—resulting in futuristic-looking “3-pack” micro-compounds that blend creativity, utility, and affordability. These skybridges aren’t just quirky design elements; they’re reshaping urban living in the Pacific Northwest.
🏡 Why Skybridges Are Reshaping Seattle’s Housing Landscape
By Jane C. Hu | 📸 Photos by Ruth Fremson | June 27, 2025
🏗️ 2019 Regulation Update
└─ 2 A.D.U.s per lot allowed
└─ No owner occupancy required
└─ One A.D.U. must be attached
🏡 3-Pack Anatomy
├─ Main House
├─ Detached A.D.U.
└─ Attached A.D.U. via Skybridge
🎯 Key Benefits
└─ Maximizes urban land use
└─ Encourages affordability
└─ Boosts modern architectural design
Typography Infographic: Skybridges at a Glance
🏙️ The Rise of the 3-Pack Home in Seattle
What’s a 3-Pack?
A 3-pack is a micro-compound consisting of:
One main single-family home
Two Accessory Dwelling Units (A.D.U.s)
A connecting skybridge (in most cases)
🧱 Originally backyard guesthouses, A.D.U.s are now tools in the city’s affordable housing strategy.
📈 Background: From Regulation to Innovation
In 2019, Seattle loosened its zoning laws:
✅ Removed owner-occupancy requirements
✅ Eliminated mandatory parking spaces
✅ Allowed two A.D.U.s per lot
However, one condition remained:
➡️ At least one A.D.U. must be connected to the primary home.
Enter the Skybridge.
These stylish, elevated connectors serve as:
Laundry rooms
Quiet hallways
Utility zones
They satisfy zoning laws while creating design-forward homes.
👷♂️ Developers Drive the Trend
Previously, A.D.U.s were built by homeowners.
Now, developers are maximizing buildable land with 3-packs.
Why this matters:
🏗️ Higher density = lower housing costs
💰 More rentable units per lot
🏘️ Creative architectural expression
“The developers did a great job soundproofing everything… We never hear noise from the other unit.”
— Alice Ji, homeowner in a skybridge compound
🏠 Design Meets Purpose
🔹 The skybridge is often just a narrow connector, but it becomes a vital part of the home.
🔹 Built with privacy and utility in mind, many bridges include:
Windows
Noise insulation
Utility hookups
From street view, these homes appear modern, minimalist, and monochromatic—perfectly suited to Seattle’s architectural vibe.
🌟 Final Thoughts: A Bridge to Seattle’s Future
Seattle’s skybridges aren’t just eye-catching architecture. They symbolize a functional response to urban pressure, a creative use of regulation, and a vision of community living that’s efficient, modern, and a bit whimsical.
In a city seeking to balance growth, housing needs, and design, these elevated walkways offer more than just connection—they offer a path forward.
