Casa Franc: Where Organic Modernism Meets Italian Ease

A modern Mediterranean home has emerged in Mermaid Waters on the Gold Coast. Casa Franc is a PJH Constructions project that radiates warmth and texture with a vintage touch.

Wrapped in a creamy custom render, the home is a harmony of delicate detailing and Italian-inspired architecture. For owners Brian and Danika Downting, the design vision grew from a deep affection for European summers: “We wanted to bring in that old world, lived-in look, but then also have the modern organic elements as well.”

Built-in forms, soft curves, exposed pergola beams, and brushed gunmetal tapware are hallmarks of organic modernism, an interior style that feels grounded, tactile, and rich in character.

Casa Franc’s exterior is an exploration of levels and layers, with floating planters integrated into the sand-toned façade to create a sleek expression of European essence. 

Crisp contemporary lines and square forms are coated in a textured external render, giving the home a bold touch of Tuscan spirit.

“I love it when I come home and I see the front façade. I just think it's so beautiful. There are so many pockets throughout our home that just light me up when I see them,” shares Danika.

Guided by creamy earth tones and the gentle warmth of the afternoon sun, Casa Franc was thoughtfully designed by Danika’s mother, Sandy Smedley, and delivered by PJH Constructions. Beyond the recycled hardwood gates, the home’s bold yet calming aesthetic is amplified by an Italian-inspired outdoor courtyard with a mature olive tree, travertine cobblestones, and stone pavers.

Entering through the arched timber doors, an exhibition in organic modern interior design unfolds, defined by grand curves and rich contrast.

Against the textured render, dark joinery and brushed gunmetal fixtures create a striking interplay of light and dark.

Centring the space, the kitchen has been crafted to evoke slow Italian summers and long afternoons of entertaining. A marble splashback, mosaic tile pillar, and curved rangehood give the room a sculptural presence, while the styling and material palette feel earthy and beautifully imperfect.

Every element of the home flows seamlessly into the next, from the dark cabinetry in the laundry to the mosaic checkerboard tile in the butler's pantry and the sculptural silhouette of our brushed gunmetal Elysian Commercial Pull-Out Kitchen Mixers.

Danika designed the downstairs bathroom to be a fun, completely colour-drenched oasis away from the home’s neutrality.

Limewash walls by Bauwerk Colour in ‘Bracken’ and our Elysian Minimal Mixer and Spout Set in tumbled aged brass create bold texture with a nod to old-world charm. 

“I thought it'd be really fun to bring in a different metal, so we used the tumbled aged brass, which picks up on the colour of the floor tiles,” Danika shares. Every detail, from the pink pedestal basin to the checkerboard stone tiles and wall sconces, has been thoughtfully considered to evoke elegance and glamour.

Ascending to the upper level, a timber spiral staircase fitted with a black banister weaves seamlessly into the continuous curves of the rendered walls. Drawing inspiration from the living area, the design ties together the tones of both the black aluminium window frames and timber joinery.

Elegant yet understated, the master bedroom balances simplicity with softness. At its heart, a custom microcement bed is complemented by floating timber side shelves and curved steps.

This pared-back design lets texture and warmth emerge as natural light washes over the render.

“It's a great place to unwind and ground ourselves for the day. All the selections, I really wanted it to feel timeless, grounded, earthy, organic — for all my choices, that was front and centre,” Danika states.

The colour-rich yet contrasting nature of the master ensuite is achieved with travertine floor tiles, limewashed walls, and our bold brushed gunmetal tapware. From the mirrored curves of the Elysian Gooseneck Shower Rail Sets in the double shower to the delicate reeded texture of the Namika Assembly Taps, the space explores European essence and contemporary contrast.

Danika explains, “We chose the gunmetal grey because I think it's the most timeless product at ABI. It just goes with everything so naturally.”

Outside, Mediterranean architecture continues, with grand arches framing an alfresco area designed for long, sun-filled afternoons.

A concrete dining table, planters, and French-style Ironwood Calibrated Cobblestone create a durable yet warm foundation, complemented by an outdoor kitchen, shower, and swimming pool.

For Danika and Brian, Casa Franc reflects the thoughtful, curated design that defines their style. Guided by their vision at every step, the home has become a personalised paradise of design-driven decadence.

“We just love being here, and our home is a reflection of us, what we love, and our travels,” says Danika.

“I think when you put a lot of heart and soul into something and see it come to life, and then when you're coming home each day and you get to see it in person every day, that to me feels pretty special for what we've accomplished and what Paul has brought to life for us with PJH.”

Did this home inspire you? Discover more like it: 

Novus: Luxury Family Living Amongst Raw Elegance 

Amaia: Sun Drenched Living With the Spirit of Spanish Architecture

Project Carlyle: A Coastal Californian Bungalow With Wabi-Sabi Influences