Get dozens of ideas for high green style from our cutting-edge San Francisco Idea House
E. Spencer Toy
Written byKelly Barthelemy and Peter Fish,February 11, 2008
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In deserts, mountains, and suburbs over the past 10 years, Sunset has built Idea House projects ranging from big homes to cottages. But our San Francisco Idea House, set in the city’s Mission District, is our first truly urban dwelling. And it’s our first home modeled on LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green-building principles.
Idea House builder and owner Robin Wilson wanted an energy-efficient place to call home. Enter Sunset and San Francisco architect John Lum, who devised a main house with a one-bedroom apartment on one end.
The home’s power comes from solar panels and a wind turbine installed in the backyard. A rainwater-catchment system channels roof runoff into two underground cisterns. And in the garage, a Phill system lets you fill up a natural gas-powered car overnight.
“We pulled as many green ideas as possible into a single house,” Wilson says. “We know that may not be reasonable for most people. But we wanted to show that there’s a whole lot you can do right now.”
Idea to steal #1: use wood above & below FSC-certified Santa Maria tropical hardwood on the ceiling warms the large, open room; on the floor, it visually divides the space.
Hidden storage Frosted blue-glass sliding panels provide concealed storage space and visual continuity with the adjacent clerestory windows.
Mix and match A locally made teak dining table is surrounded by white and blue Eames molded-plastic chairs with chrome bases, exemplifying the array of materials and colors throughout the space.
Bright passage The stairwell is an energy-efficient, ground-to-roof light well, thanks to channel-shaped glass panels filled with insulating Nanogel aerogel, which also reduces noise from the bustling city streets.
Hidden storage Frosted blue-glass sliding panels provide concealed storage space and visual continuity with the adjacent clerestory windows.
Well grounded The mocha-colored floors are made of a ⅛-inch-thick overlay of cement, providing a smooth, reflective contrast to the grainy wood and plush wool rugs.
Hint of green Low-water succulents are set in a built-in trough atop a two-sided steel shelf, bringing the garden indoors for an organic feel.
Interior views A blue wall with tranquil bird paintings by local artist David Tomb complements the third floor’s cityscapes. Wall paint is Serenata from Benjamin Moore’s low-VOC Aura line.
THE FLOOR PLAN
Architect John Lum’s plans maximize natural light and airflow on each of the three levels, with rooms leading off an open, central stairway.
INDOOR-OUTDOOR LIVING
Taking full advantage of the Western climate, outdoor areas function as additional rooms, extending the livable footprint of the house and providing alfresco venues for family activities.
ROOMY KITCHEN
In one corner of the third floor, ample work surfaces and storage blend with chef-worthy GE appliances for the serious cook, while an extra-large island, festive lighting, and a direct connection to the deck make it ideal for entertaining.
Idea to steal #3: add unexpected color A cheerful hue on island cabinetry keeps the sophisticated kitchen from feeling austere and links to other elements in the space.
BATHING OASIS
Everyone loves a place for a warm soak and a little peace and quiet. The spa bath is a private retreat, with watery blue tiles, warm ipe wood, and enough room to relax.
Idea to steal #4: mix tile types Evoking rippling water, aqua glass tiles frame a wall of sculptural ceramic tiles in rich blue, giving the space an artful focal point.Sauna-style seating FSC-certified ipe on the bench, floor, and tub surround serves as a grounding element to the tiles’ gleam.
Tub for two An extra-deep whirlpool soaking tub is bathed in natural light from a large frosted-glass window, creating the ultimate relaxation spot.
WATER INSPIRATION
Like bubbles floating up from the lap pool on the ground floor, circles of glass, tile, and steel ascend toward the roof in key locations in the main house and apartment, adding elegance here, whimsy there, and softening modern edges throughout.
DESIGNED FOR FUN
A palette of energetic hues is on bold display in the girl’s bedroom and craft room, where walls, floors, cabinetry, and furniture get an infusion of vivid color and set a playful mood.
SMALL-SPACE LIVING
It’s a way of life for many city dwellers. The 1,229-square-foot apartment unit of our Idea House captures the eco-mindedness and modern design of the main house but focuses on multi-functional solutions for tighter quarters.
GARDEN COURTYARD
From the moment you walk through the front door, the backyard – visible through a wall of folding glass doors – is the prime focus. A dramatic mix of colors, materials, and destinations turns a small city garden into an urban oasis.
Idea to steal #8: add a raised platform A bridge of composite Trex decking, made from sawdust and plastic bags, allows room for a water feature without sacrificing ground space.
Pattern and color Repeating rectangles in steppingstones, pond shapes, and deck space make a quiltlike pattern. Neutral colors are a calm backdrop for the palette of greens and blues used in plants, tile, and the lounge chair.
High and low The trick to making this small garden seem bigger was to bring in visual points of interest at varying heights. The tiled fountain wall reaches well above the surrounding fence, and plants from Monrovia are bedded at multiple levels. Even the walkway gets an extra dimension with the central bridge deck.
OUTDOOR PALETTE
Rich color in the backyard comes from materials as well as plants, extending the feel of the house all the way to the back fence and fountain wall.
Benjamin Moore reinvented paint with the development of Aura. ColorLock, Benjamin Moore’s patent-pending technology, locks in the paint’s waterborne colorant, enabling Aura to be self-primed while being eco-friendly and having minimal odor.
GE Monogram’s innovative appliances offer many design choices to help customize your kitchen. Sunset’s San Francisco Idea House features a dual-fuel range, a side-by-side refrigerator, a warming drawer that keeps food ready until serving, and a versatile beverage center.
James Hardie HardieBacker board with exclusive MoldBlock Technology blocks against moisture damage and mold on interior walls, ceilings, and floors – it passes industry mold tests with a perfect score. It’s durable and can be painted, textured, wallpapered, or tiled.
Using compressed natural gas, the 2008 Honda Civic GX achieves remarkable fuel-cost savings. The EPA says it’s the “cleanest internal-combustion engine ever tested.” GX owners can purchase a Phill home-refueling appliance that easily installs to a home gas line.
Your home’s exterior separates you from the elements. James Hardie siding is flame-resistant, guaranteed against rotting and cracking, and resists damage from rain, hail, and flying debris. The product holds a limited transferable warranty for up to 50 years.
JELD-WEN Windows & Doors crafts windows and doors designed for energy efficiency, security, and peace of mind. An Energy Star partner since 1998, JELD-WEN offers interior and entry doors, swinging and sliding patio doors, garage doors, and windows for every style and climate.
Kohler’s advanced DTV Custom Showering Experience allows preset preferences, the Wellspring Touchless faucet offers hands-free kitchen hand-washing, and the SOK overflowing bath features 11 bubble ports for a complete spa experience.
This Idea House features state-of-the-art Lennox Industries home-comfort systems. Whether installed separately or together, Lennox heating, cooling, and indoor air-quality products deliver comfort, control, efficiency, quiet operation, reliability, cleaner air, and peace of mind.
Raised in exclusively formulated, nutrient-rich soil, Monrovia plants are guaranteed to make your garden thrive. With more than 2,200 varieties – from drought-tolerant to high fashion – Monrovia has something for every garden style. Available at garden centers nationwide.
SunPower Corporation designs and manufactures high-performance solar-electric technology worldwide. Powered by A-300 solar cells, which are more efficient than conventional solar cells, SunPower panels produce more energy in a smaller space. 877/786-0123.
Inspired by the rich textures and colors in nature, reversible Trex Accents deck boards feature a natural wood-grain pattern on one side and the smooth, contemporary look of Trex Origins on the other. With Trex Accents, you can create a beautiful, low-maintenance outdoor space.
Union Bank offers expertise and experience in solving clients’ financial needs. You’ll benefit from a comprehensive portfolio of products, services, and support to help meet your short- and long-term financial goals. 888/818-6060.
