Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House
Newport Rhode Island
The Wanton‑Lyman‑Hazard House, often simply called Hazard House, is the oldest surviving residence in Newport and one of the most significant examples of early colonial architecture in New England. Built in 1697, the structure predates the American Revolution by nearly a century and stands as a rare physical record of Newport’s earliest settlement period. As a National Historic Landmark, the house embodies the craftsmanship, materials, and construction methods of the late 17th century — a time when timber framing, hand‑split shingles, and simple roof geometries defined domestic architecture.
Slate & Copper Services was entrusted with restoring critical exterior components of this landmark, focusing on historic roofing, copper restoration, and targeted preservation carpentry. Work on a structure of this age requires a conservation‑driven approach: every decision must respect original fabric, every intervention must be reversible where possible, and every material must align with the building’s historic character.
The project centered on stabilizing and restoring the roof system — a critical element in protecting the fragile timber frame beneath. Centuries of coastal exposure had caused deterioration in both roofing and metalwork, demanding careful removal of compromised components and precise replication of historic details. We sourced period‑appropriate slate and corrosion‑resistant copper to match the building’s early aesthetic while ensuring long‑term resilience against Newport’s coastal climate.
Irregular rooflines, hand‑hewn rafters, and fragile structural interfaces required a level of precision rarely encountered in modern construction. Each slate was cut and placed to accommodate the building’s natural movement, and copper flashings were fabricated to integrate seamlessly with uneven surfaces shaped by more than 300 years of settlement and seasonal change.
Preserving a 17th‑century structure presents challenges unlike any other category of historic restoration. The building’s age meant that even minor interventions had to be executed with extreme care. Strict preservation guidelines governed every step, requiring a balance between historical accuracy and modern protective measures. Coordination among trades was essential, as roofing, carpentry, and metalwork all intersected within a building that retains much of its original fabric.
Today, the Wanton‑Lyman‑Hazard House stands as a testament to Newport’s colonial heritage and the ongoing commitment to preserving its earliest architectural treasures. The restoration reflects Slate & Copper Services’ dedication to heritage building conservation, combining authenticity, craftsmanship, and respect for a structure that has witnessed more than three centuries of American history.