Pursuing the future of energy efficient homes since 2015

Making Net Zero Easy
Stock Home Plans Designed for Fast, Simple, and Cost-Effective Net Zero Construction
Pursuing the future of energy efficient homes since 2015
Stock Home Plans Designed for Fast, Simple, and Cost-Effective Net Zero Construction
BTF is a small Architectural & Mechanical HVAC design firm specializing in space, energy, and resource-efficient homes. We work with residential contractors, builders, developers, and landowners. Our mission is to make fossil fuel-free net-zero construction easy and affordable. Since 2015, we've been pursuing the future of energy-efficient homes.
✔ Stock Net Zero Home Plans: First of their kind integrated architectural & mechanical drawing packages
✔ Custom Design Services: Including Manual J energy modeling, HVAC design & equipment sizing, ventilation air systems, septic system design, HERS rating services, and more.
✔ Ez-ERV Tool: A builder friendly tool for sizing balanced ventilation air systems in minutes!
✔ Designed for Contractors: Easy to build with common materials & methods
✔ Cost-Effective: Comparable $/SF as typical construction; our designs save you time, money, and resources
✔ 1st in the nation to offer an Integrated Solution: Architecture, HVAC, Energy Analysis & Solar PV pre-coordinated within one drawing package
✔ Ready for Construction: Plans are ready for construction on nearly any site in 35 states
✔ARCH
Standard Construction Drawings: Architectural dimensioned floor plans, elevations, sections, schedules & details
✔ARCH + ERV
Everything in ARCH, Plus: Balanced mechanical ventilation air system
✔ARCH + ERV + Net Zero
Everything in ARCH + ERV, Plus: Mechanical HVAC, Manual J energy modeling, Solar PV design + ZERH certification guidance
✔ Designed for Contractors: Simple, build able plans with standard materials & methods - Such as 2x6 walls, double pane windows!
✔ Reduce labor & material costs while simplifying construction. Forget unnecessary bump-outs, dormers, or false gables, we've optimized exterior shape & window placement
✔ Used by Habitat for Humanity & Non-Profit Builders Nationwide: Proven performance & cost-effectiveness
✔ Under 2,000 SF: Compact, efficient layouts, easier to build & maintain while designed to fit modern needs
✔ Aging-in-place friendly & home office options
✔ Nearly any site in 35 States: HVAC & Energy modeling designed for Climate Zones 5A through 8
✔ Adaptable to local codes & materials: BTF Homes have been built nation wide, from Maine to California
✔ Yes! We offer custom design solutions – Contact us for details
✔BTF Homes are available as architectural only designs too.
✔Simple, small & timeless architectural designs, make BTF homes much more cost effective to build than other home designs on the market
✔ Get a sneak peek – Download our Free Plan Book
✔ Browse Plans, Choose, Purchase & Build
✔ Get a proven, affordable Net Zero home plan today
BTF Net Zero plans are integrated architectural & mechanical drawing packages.
We are the first in the country to offer this pioneering integrated solution.
Providing Architectural, HVAC, Energy Analysis & Solar PV coordinated & within one drawing package. We've done the engineering for you.
Our easy to build designs SAVE you time, money & resources in construction. No longer do you need to hire a mechanical design firm & architect, for months of site specific net zero design.
We design around standard building materials too. From the quotes we've seen, our BTF Net Zero homes cost the same to build as a typical home. Even donation-funded builders choose our net-zero home designs!
BTF plans are designed to make fossil fuel free net zero construction EASY.
BTF plans are easy to read, easy to follow & easy to build from.
Our plans are preferred by both contractors experienced with net zero construction, as well as those new to Net Zero & green building.
Why not future proof your new home by making it Net Zero & fossil fuel free
Make a name for yourself as a Net Zero Contractor today
- photo from BTF home under construction-
We are happy to share a new section of our website - now featuring spotlight projects!
Our current spotlight project is a BTF home mid-construction in the mountains of California.
This custom design we intend to add to our stock plan collection in the coming months.
We'll call it the Ponderosa Pine!
Please share your BTF project photos at marketing@bitethefrost.com & use the subject line "Project Spotlight" to be featured next
The home is shelter, stable and warm.
A place to gather in snow & storm,
To relax and play in grass & moss,
In cozy warmth, that bites the frost.
Copyright © 2025 BTF Residential Designs, Bite The Frost LLC, All Rights Reserved.
Celebrating 10 years! Est. 2015
As part of the Inflation Reduction Act, the Section 45L Tax Credit for Energy Efficient New Homes now provides a $5,000 tax credit for those who build a home participating in the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH)Program.
BTF is an official partner of the DOE ZERH Program.
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