After months of delays, the San Francisco Idea House has finally opened its doors to the public.  As part of Sunset Magazine's series of homes designed to inspire, the San Francisco Idea House is the first Idea House located in an urban setting, with the goal being to demonstrate that eco-friendly design can be accomplished in densely populated areas where space is limited.

Located in the Mission District, the Idea House sports a living roof and harnesses Mother Nature through the use of a wind turbine, a solar water-heating system, and rainwater catchment system.  Inside you’ll find the house loaded with sustainable choice ideas, including recycled glass countertops, energy-saving lighting, and reclaimed wood floors.

With all the hoopla residents in Marin County have raised recently with controversial green housing projects, anyone thinking about buying property in Marin for a new home or remodeling an existing one might be well served to take the short drive into the city and take a look at what has been accomplished in a relatively limited space.

The Idea House will be closed the weekends of December 21 & 28, due to the holidays.  It will reopen on the weekend of January 4, 2008.

Date:  January 4, 2008 through January 27, 2008 (Friday, Saturday, & Sundays only)
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Place: Free shuttles will run from San Francisco General Hospital parking lot.  The house address is not being published because of parking constraints.
Cost: $20 per person - no children under the age of 10.
For more information: Call 1-800-786-7375 or see the Sunset Idea House.