Hugo is a minimalist home by the Paris-based architecture firm, Studio Norré. Located in Palaiseau, a suburb just south of the French capital, the design of the residence focuses on enhancing natural light and improving thermal performance through a careful reworking of the existing structure, resulting in a brighter and more energy-efficient home.
The intervention began with widening the existing openings and introducing new ones to bring additional daylight into the main living spaces, allowing light to move more freely throughout the interior. At the same time, the exterior was upgraded with wood-fiber insulation finished in a lime render, improving thermal efficiency while blending in with the original structure. The roof was also fully reworked, incorporating a high-performance insulation system beneath a new zinc covering, reinforcing the home’s overall environmental performance.
Inside, the design adopts an economy of means that becomes an architectural language in itself. Clay brick walls are left exposed, allowing the structure to breathe, while beech plywood panels line key surfaces, emphasizing a cohesive, low-impact palette. Translucent tiled partitions subtly separate spaces while allowing light to pass through, maintaining a sense of openness. In the living area, modern and contemporary furnishings introduce contrast, including a Togo sofa and pieces with tubular metal frames that lend a sleek edge against the warmth of the wood surfaces.
Through this project, Studio Norré demonstrates its commitment to environmentally conscious design, where bioclimatic strategies and thoughtful spatial interventions come together to enhance both the performance and the lived experience of an existing home.
