diff --git a/server/build.rs b/server/build.rs
index 50f5e24..d0f2db8 100644
--- a/server/build.rs
+++ b/server/build.rs
@@ -29,6 +29,19 @@ fn main() {
         return;
     }
 
+    // When cross-compiling (e.g. musl via `cross`), the Docker container
+    // has no Node/pnpm. The release script builds macOS first, so
+    // frontend/dist/ already exists. Skip the frontend build in that case.
+    let target = env::var("TARGET").unwrap_or_default();
+    let host = env::var("HOST").unwrap_or_default();
+    if target != host {
+        let dist = Path::new("../frontend/dist");
+        if !dist.exists() {
+            panic!("Cross-compiling but frontend/dist/ is missing. Build macOS first.");
+        }
+        return;
+    }
+
     let frontend_dir = Path::new("../frontend");
 
     // Ensure dependencies are installed and build the frontend bundle.