Conceived as a “Contemporary Lodge”, Hilary’s House is a warm and inviting adults-only retreat and reflection center for individuals recovering from substance use disorders. It provides patients, staff, and loved ones with a safe space to connect, converse, and continue their recovery and healing journeys.
“The hope, the belief is, that these four walls, the couches and chairs – just might be where magical moments happen for someone struggling in the future,” says Erin DiGirolamo, CEO of Horizon Corporations. “Their aha moment, their re-connection with their mom or child. In these four walls of Hilary’s House, tears will be shed, apologies will be spoken, forgiveness granted, and new understandings forged.”
Hilary’s House has been named in memory of Hilary Grace White, a young woman from WNY who lost her battle with addiction in 2017. Hilary’s family started the Hilary Grace Foundation in 2018, with the goals of raising awareness of the national opioid epidemic and improving treatment options.
Inspired by the agricultural landscape and surrounding pastoral views, our team created a welcoming and comfortable environment to visit, reconnect, and build relationships throughout treatment and recovery. This 4,000 square foot multifunctional retreat provides communal space for patients to meet with family members and friends receiving in-patient treatment and working toward recovery.
Framed with a mixture of Structural Insulated Panel walls and steel columns, the roof is supported by exposed timber rafters supporting long span SIPs. The black painted steel girder and column flanges are juxtaposed with contrasting stained wood infill panels meant to express a Timber frame with cleaner modern lines. The space invites the outdoors inside with expansive glazing and a welcoming fireplace that connects to flexible patio seating and activity spaces.
This building fulfills the promise made by Hilary’s mom at the time of her passing to help others suffering from this disease by establishing a judgment free facility that offers hope and support during their treatment journey.
