Cycle House Net Zero Energy Mixed-use Affordable Housing

Cycle House

**Location:** NW Washington, DC
**Location Type:** Urban
**Year of Completion:** 2025
**Type:** Mixed-use / Affordable
**Net Zero Energy:** LEED Gold Certified
**Units:** 18 affordable units
**Gross Square Feet:** 20,000 sf
**Solar:** Photovoltaic Solar Array

DC’s First Mixed-use Net Zero Energy Building

Mixed-Use- 18 units plus retail, Affordable, Net Zero Energy

Cycle House is DC’s first mixed-use net zero energy building. The 20,000 square foot mixed use building is located in DC’s Truxton Circle neighborhood at the intersection of Bates Street and North Capitol Street NW. It is LEED Gold certified, net zero energy, and features renewable energy, low CO2 emissions, and zero storm-water runoff from the site.

The building program includes 18 long-term affordable residential apartments. This brings much needed opportunities for workforce housing available to persons earning 50-60% of the area's medium income and serves as a catalyst for revitalizing the stretch of North Capitol Street between Florida Avenue and New York Avenue.

Cycle House takes its name from the layout design concept which maximizes the ease of cycling for building residents. The precedent-setting project features include a vegetated “living” wall, solar PV, and a community-serving retail space on the ground floor. Cycle House’s on-site energy systems generate as much energy as it uses, only using power from the electric grid as a “backup” energy supply.

The Cycle House development in Truxton Circle officially broke ground on Tuesday, December 19, 2023. Completed in 2025, Cyclehouse now offers 18 units of affordable, all-electric housing equipped with bicycle-friendly amenities and a commercial space. The net-zero building produces at least as much energy as it consumes each year by harnessing solar energy from a rooftop solar installation and a rear solar parking canopy and by utilizing fuel cells.

Project features:

Potable water use
Zero stormwater run-off
LEED Gold Certified
Generates 100% of its energy on-site
Roof-top solar and fuel cells for cogeneration (heat/power) generation
Environmentally-friendly materials
High performance thermal envelope
Energy efficient lighting, plug-loads, appliances
“Off-grid” capable performance
Community-solar project will give residents the opportunity to share generated energy
Removes vacant lot from neighborhood
Model for high-performance, sustainable housing
Provides affordable housing for neighborhood
Bicycle and pedestrian-friendly building
Minimal parking impact
First floor family restaurant & neighborhood-serving retail space
New community mural to replace existing mural
Potential to implement neighborhood Storm-Water management system
Option to include electric car for residents’ use