St. Benedict’s Classical Academy: A Study in Timeless Design
St. Benedict’s Classical Academy in Natick, Massachusetts, set out to create more than just a new school building; it sought to establish a lasting identity. Designed to support a growing student body, the project needed to reflect the school’s values as a Catholic, classical institution while integrating into its residential surroundings.
The result is a composed structure by Harrison Design, centered on a symmetrical façade with refined classical detailing. Drawing inspiration from Greco-Roman architecture and the Catholic Church’s European heritage, the building balances institutional presence with neighborhood sensitivity. Subtle residential elements, such as a porch, shutters, and dormers, honor the school’s origins in a house, creating a sense of continuity and familiarity.
St. Benedict’s Classical Academy in Natick, Massachusetts
Today’s View at the Academy
At its heart, a striking Roman-inspired portico sets the tone. An arcaded loggia supports a second-story colonnade of Scamozzi Ionic columns, crowned by a pediment featuring the St. Benedict medal. Material selection was key to achieving both authenticity and longevity. Harrison Design specified Ludowici clay-tile shakes, chosen for their durability, sustainability, and refined character. “We wanted to recall the traditional cedar wood shake of New England,” notes project architect Joshua Greene. “The multi-toned clay tile gives us that look, while ensuring the roof will last for generations.”
The design intentionally preserves the rich red clay tones, creating a striking contrast with the white clapboard exterior. Variations in shake size and thickness add depth through shadow and texture, reinforcing the building’s timeless presence. Inside, the architectural language continues with tall ceilings, classical proportions, and carefully curated details, from bronze balcony railings to coffered ceilings and skylights. The result is a space that elevates both learning and experience. This project exemplifies how classical design principles and thoughtful material selection come together to create a building that feels both enduring and entirely at home.
Academy Project Details
Project Name: St. Benedict’s Classical Academy
PHOTOGRAPHY:
© Robert Benson Photography
PRODUCTS:
Century Shake
COLOR:
Golden Red Cedar
PROJECT TYPE:
New Construction
History Lesson
The Ludovisi family began crafting clay roof tiles in Rome over 400 years ago. In the late 1800s, Carl Ludowici brought this tradition to Chicago, later expanding production to New Lexington, Ohio. Today, Ludowici tiles, still made in Ohio, are globally recognized for their durability and distinctive aesthetic. With over 130 years of expertise, they offer a wide range of colors and textures, blending historic beauty with modern performance. Here’s where Congress Associates comes in. We have decades of experience supporting the roofing and building envelope industry, and center around successfully partnering with organizations & individuals across the industry while supporting a wide variety of product lines that will best meet your project’s demands.
