The BEST House is a collaborative effort involving UWF's Construction Program, UWF Architectural and Engineering Services, and area businesses and industry who are committed to "green" construction and sustainable development. The name BEST House is derived from the four foundational ideas of this alliance: build, educate, sustain, and technology.

The BEST House program's intent is to provide a home featuring energy-efficient, sustainable design techniques available to the median homebuilder and buyer of today. The 3,300 square foot, three-bedroom home is a study model featuring passive solar collectors, greywater and rainwater catchment systems, advanced insulation systems, a geothermal heat pump, whole-house ventilation, energy-efficient appliances and lighting, daylighting, and sustainable building products. The most ambitious goal, however, is to make this an off-grid project with photovoltaic panels and a battery array substantial enough to supply all of the electrical power needed on site with an excess that can be sold.

The BEST House enables UWF and Northwest Florida to become a centerpiece of research, application, and trends in the construction profession and industry through engagement of the community and industry on multiple projects and topics relating to structures and life in Northwest Florida. UWF and supporting partners become the leaders in this discussion, facilitating a wide-ranging set of opportunities that focus on improving the community, construction-related industries, and general life in the region.