Laura Ortín renovates 1930 Murcia apartment for aging in place

Architect Laura Ortín has completed the renovation of a 140-square-meter apartment in a 1930 building in the historic center of Murcia, Spain, designed to adapt to the changing needs of its owner over time. The project, named Casa Matria, was undertaken a decade after the owner purchased the property, following her retirement. The interior was largely gutted by a previous demolition, allowing Ortín to completely reorganize the layout. The new floor plan avoids long corridors, arranging rooms around a central space in an enfilade sequence connected by symmetrical sliding doors. The kitchen is placed near the south-facing interior patio for natural light and close to the entrance for convenience. The dining room, the heart of the home, receives daylight through a semi-transparent enclosure around the bathroom that acts as an interior lantern. The living room is a quiet retreat at the end of the sequence. Design details include lightweight cabinet doors, pulley systems for sliding doors, easily replaceable light bulbs, accessible shower trays, and a Japanese toilet, all aimed at simplifying maintenance and ensuring accessibility. The project emphasizes autonomy, spatial clarity, and comfort for long-term living.