Perched just above the edge of the Narrows, the house is an ideal place to live surrounded by the wild beauty of Ketchikan.

“A building can have far greater impact than the space it stands in.”—William Carpenter, architect and resident

In 2003, Resolution: 4 Architecture was one of 16 firms who participated in the Dwell Home Design Invitational—a competition to design a modern prefab home for $200,000. Their winning design, constructed in Pittsboro, North Carolina, is a groundbreaking case study that combines prefabricated construction with contemporary, modern design.

New zoning allowed for a zero-lot-line structure, but required a public storefront, which Carpenter uses as an art gallery.

Lightroom 1.0, a photography studio, is a freestanding structure on the property. “Together, they represent an autobiography of my career,” Carpenter says.

Before the awards presentation, Dwell president Michela O’Connor Abrams (sporting her Google Glass) announced the Dwell Vision Award, a collaboration between Dwell and Big Ass Fans. Photo by: Mimi Teller Rosicky.

Our Kitchen and Bath award went to relative newcomer Franz Viegener for its innovative designs. Photo by: Alejandro Chavetta

The Modern Lifestyle award winner was Miele, which this year encompassed an overall lifestyle vision at the show. Photo by Alejandro Chavetta.

Nourishmat by Earth Starter allows city dwellers to grow their own food in small spaces, and for that it snagged our Design Materials award. Photo by: Alejandro Chavetta

Iron Dog by Scott Molampy of Geppetto Studios.

Picnic Basket by Mike Perry Studio.

Puzzle Box by WABI Design.

Much like great design, great meals are considered by most to be an art. Dwell has long supported the work of innovative designers regardless of their canvas or craft because creativity challenges and propels further ingenuity. Thus, it is with great pleasure we announce our exclusive media sponsorship of DIFFA’s Picnic By Design, an event that couples charitable donation with original design on August 21st. Out of the 45 contributing designers, Dwell has picked our five favorites after the jump. Disco Picnic by Jose Fernandez of 17A Creative.

Motown by Corey Damen Jenkins.

Emeco’s combination of eco-friendly design philosophy and show-stopping bright white booth ensured their place as the winner of Best in Show at Dwell on Design. Photo by Alejandro Chavetta.

Playforms by North Forty Design grabbed our New Product award for their simple, imagination-driven kids’ playhouses. Photo by Alejandro Chavetta.

After transforming Dwell Outdoor into a verdant paradise, landscape architecture firm Shades of Green was awarded for Outdoor this year. Photo by Alejandro Chavetta.

Our Furniture category went to Clei for Resource Furniture, whose convertible beds especially piqued the judges’ interests. Photo by Alejandro Chavetta.

For his oversize Manuka light, New Zealand–based designer David Trubridge captured the award for Lighting. Photo by Alejandro Chavetta.

With its multi-tiered fountain, trio of modern structures, and wall of fixtures, Brizo captivated the jury and brought home the award for best Booth. Photo by Alejandro Chavetta.

The awards were a custom collaborative design by Dwell creative director Alejandro Chavetta and the San Francisco design firm Ohio. Photo by: Mimi Teller Rosicky

In the Sustainability category, Lacava garnered the award, for showing that responsible design can be beautiful. Photo by Alejandro Chavetta.

Sofia Design Week 2013 featured a professional forum with prominent international speakers, as well as a one-day 'Balkan Talks' agenda. This year's speakers included names like Konstantin Grcic, Matali Crasset, Michael Marriott, Mark Chalmers, Erik Kessels, Ji Lee, Marti Guixe, Stefan Sagmeister, Genevieve Gauckler, David Carlson, Peter Bilak, and Tomek Rygalik. Between June 12 to 30 there was also an extensive line up of events throughout the city in the form of exhibitions, workshops, screenings, parties, book openings, and interactive events for children. Photo courtesy of Sofia Design Week.

Haand, Booth MH 29 Artisanal design studio Haand trekked to Dwell on Design all the way from Durham, North Carolina, and brought a selection of handmade asymmetrical dinnerware (from $33–$350).

Peace Industry, Booth 1621 Spy San Francisco–based Peace Industry's hand-felted 100-percent wool rugs in Booth 1621.

Attached to each blanket is a tag that says “Welcome to your new home,” and in some cases, a personal note from the maker.

“The blankets add a touch of warmth and home,” says Aguiñiga.

Paint was available for Dwell on Design attendees to use for the artworks. “Residents ask for art for their walls to brighten up their spaces,” says Aguiñiga.

The drying rack awaits more artworks.

An artist finishes the ends of a blanket.

Attendees receive a quick lesson on knitting.

Aguiñiga’s fellow artists prepare the crocheted blankets sent in by knitters from all over the country.

The kits sit ready to be distributed to people via PATH this week.

Many blankets included a personal note from the maker. This one reads: “Welcome Home! Made from acrylic yarn. Hope you enjoy this for many wonderful years! Love! Joy! Health! Happiness! Peace!”

Aguiñiga shows off one of the handmade checkerboard mini canvas tablecloths. “We created these because homeless-aid organizations have constant requests for them because the residents want companionship and recreational activities,” she notes.

The wood planks, before they became part of the stools and tables.