Building with care.
Restoring with respect.
A family-run construction company, led by chartered professionals, delivering conception-to-completion projects — from private homes to public buildings and historic landmarks. Established 1989, now into our second generation.
One accountable team — from first design to final handover
Chartered surveyors and construction managers who procure, estimate and manage every project in-house, supported by directly employed trades and a trusted specialist supply chain.
Expertise across private and public sectors
Whatever the building, you get one accountable team — led by chartered professionals — responsible for programme, budget, safety and quality.
Principal & main contracting
Full responsibility for your project as your single point of accountability — concept to completion.
Conservation & heritage
Listed and historic buildings restored to Historic England and SPAB standards, with leading conservation architects.
Refurbishment & fit-out
Sympathetic refurbishment for homes, commercial premises and public buildings — often in live, occupied environments.
Trusted with buildings that matter
For over three decades we have restored and maintained listed and historic buildings alongside leading conservation architects and engineers — combining traditional craft with modern surveying, drone inspection and 3D techniques.
Traditional values. Modern methods.
Quality & client satisfaction
High standards, tidy sites and clear communication — projects delivered on time and to the highest standard.
Family values & chartered expertise
A long-established family firm driven by trusted relationships and degree-qualified, chartered professionals.
Heritage respected, future built
Deep respect for historic buildings, paired with the best available technology and sustainable methods.
Featured projects
A snapshot of recent work across residential, heritage, ecclesiastical and healthcare sectors.
Boarers Farm
An accessible, sustainable forever-home with a hydrotherapy pool and full barn conversion, Kent.
The Folly
A geometric architectural folly, Cranbrook.
Westminster Cathedral
A decade of works, London.
Medway Hospital LOF Shop
Design-led NHS fit-out.
Dalby Square
Victorian restoration, Margate.
What our clients say
"100% recommend. Everything was organised from start to finish. They never left a mess — never known contractors like this. The finished item is absolutely fantastic."
"Residents and visitors are loving the new servery. The quality of work, responsiveness and ability to keep disruption to a minimum was outstanding."
"Repointed the brickwork on our Victorian house. Did an amazing job and cannot fault them. Thank you!"
Let's discuss your project
Tell us about your build, refurbishment or restoration and we'll arrange a free, no-obligation consultation. We typically reply within one working day.
Building across the South East since 1989
A family-run principal contractor, led by chartered professionals, founded by Paul Houghton in 1989 and run today into its second generation.
Excellence through chartered professionals
Astral Ltd has been based in Blue Town, Sheerness for over 35 years. Founded by Paul Houghton, the company has grown into its second generation — now including his son Adam Houghton and son-in-law John Jones, who together procure and manage projects in close partnership with clients and our on-site teams.
We offer a conception-to-completion main-contractor service. Every member of our professional construction team is degree-qualified and chartered with the relevant body — CIOB or RICS.
Our on-site staff combine directly employed carpenters, decorators and site managers with a trusted supply chain of mechanical & electrical, groundworks and dry-lining specialists.
What drives every project
Quality & client satisfaction
We deliver high-quality construction across private, commercial and traditional sectors, ensuring every project meets the highest professional standards and leaves clients fully satisfied.
Family values & expertise
A long-established family-run contractor driven by trusted relationships and a team of fully certified, degree-qualified professionals dedicated to managing projects with integrity and skill.
Heritage & the future
We combine modern construction expertise with deep respect for traditional and historic buildings, protecting the region's architectural heritage while delivering sustainable, future-focused solutions.
The people behind every project
Chartered direction, commercial control and a well-run office — the team you will deal with from first enquiry to handover. Select a profile to read more.
Paul Houghton
Adam Houghton
John Jones
Sian Jones
Karen Sharkie
Our office team is supported by directly employed site supervisors and tradespeople — carpenters, groundworkers and general operatives — together with a long-standing network of Kent-based specialist sub-contractors.
Award-winning work
Celebrating our commitment to excellence, innovation and industry leadership.
Let's discuss your project
Tell us about your build, refurbishment or restoration and we'll arrange a free, no-obligation consultation. We typically reply within one working day.
A complete principal-contractor service
Managed in-house, conception to completion. Our chartered surveyors and construction managers handle procurement, estimating and project management directly, supported by directly employed trades and a trusted specialist supply chain.
Principal & main contracting
We take full responsibility for your project — programme, budget, safety and quality — as your single point of accountability from concept to completion.
Construction management
Chartered managers plan and control every stage using Microsoft Project, HBXL and AutoCAD, with live cost and programme control throughout.
Refurbishment & fit-out
Sympathetic refurbishment and fit-out for homes, commercial premises and public buildings — often in live, occupied environments.
Conservation & restoration
Specialist work on listed and historic buildings to Historic England and SPAB standards, alongside leading conservation architects and engineers.
Building maintenance
Planned and responsive maintenance to keep buildings safe, compliant and in good order — reactive repairs, insurance reinstatement and historic-building care.
Drone survey & inspection
Trained SUA pilots survey existing buildings and produce 3D maps with Pix4D — reducing the need for costly scaffolding during inspections.
From first enquiry to final handover
Enquiry & consultation
We listen to your goals, visit the site and agree the brief.
Survey & estimate
Chartered surveyors assess and provide a clear, fair estimate.
Planning & procurement
We programme the works, procure materials and assemble the team.
Build & management
Directly managed construction with chartered oversight and tidy sites.
Handover & aftercare
A thorough handover, warranties and ongoing support.
Traditional values. Modern methods.
Over three decades of experience, paired with the best available technology — for safer, faster, more cost-effective delivery at every stage.
Let's discuss your project
Tell us about your build, refurbishment or restoration and we'll arrange a free, no-obligation consultation. We typically reply within one working day.
From private homes to historic landmarks
One team of chartered professionals across residential, heritage, ecclesiastical, healthcare, commercial, education and local-authority work.
Let's discuss your project
Tell us about your build, refurbishment or restoration and we'll arrange a free, no-obligation consultation. We typically reply within one working day.
Residential & Private
New builds, extensions and refurbishments for private clients — delivered by one accountable, chartered team.
Residential & Private
Recent residential & private projects
Let's discuss your project
Tell us about your build, refurbishment or restoration and we'll arrange a free, no-obligation consultation. We typically reply within one working day.
Heritage & Conservation
Listed buildings, barns and traditional structures — restored with formally recognised conservation expertise.
Heritage & Conservation
Recent heritage & conservation projects
Let's discuss your project
Tell us about your build, refurbishment or restoration and we'll arrange a free, no-obligation consultation. We typically reply within one working day.
Ecclesiastical
Churches and faith buildings — restored, adapted and extended with sensitivity and craft.
Ecclesiastical
Recent ecclesiastical projects
Let's discuss your project
Tell us about your build, refurbishment or restoration and we'll arrange a free, no-obligation consultation. We typically reply within one working day.
Healthcare
Compliant, low-disruption construction in live healthcare environments.
Healthcare
Recent healthcare projects
Let's discuss your project
Tell us about your build, refurbishment or restoration and we'll arrange a free, no-obligation consultation. We typically reply within one working day.
Commercial
Refurbishment, fit-out and new build for business — delivered safely, to programme and to budget.
Commercial
Recent commercial projects
Let's discuss your project
Tell us about your build, refurbishment or restoration and we'll arrange a free, no-obligation consultation. We typically reply within one working day.
Education & Local Authority
Schools and public buildings, delivered safely to programme — often within term time.
Education & Local Authority
Let's discuss your project
Tell us about your build, refurbishment or restoration and we'll arrange a free, no-obligation consultation. We typically reply within one working day.
High-quality construction across the South East
Explore our work across residential, heritage, ecclesiastical, healthcare, commercial and education sectors. Select any project to read the full story.
Have a project in mind?
From a single extension to a complex heritage scheme, we'd love to hear about it. Free, no-obligation consultation — we reply within one working day.
Trusted by architects, public bodies and private clients
Many of our projects are delivered through long-standing relationships with architects, surveyors, dioceses and private clients who value our technical expertise, reliability and sensitive approach. Much of our work comes from repeat appointments and recommendations.
Working with local public services
Working with Swale Borough Council
Disabled Facilities Grant adaptations helping residents stay safely in their own homes.
Long-standing relationships
"The quality of work, responsiveness and ability to keep disruption to a minimum was outstanding. It has had such a positive impact."
"100% recommend. We were kept in the loop on everything. They never left a mess — never known contractors like this."
"Repointed the brickwork on our Victorian house. Did an amazing job and cannot fault them. Thank you!"
Let's discuss your project
Tell us about your build, refurbishment or restoration and we'll arrange a free, no-obligation consultation. We typically reply within one working day.
Our commitment to safety, quality and compliance
All accreditations are independently assessed, kept up to date and reviewed regularly as part of our management systems — demonstrating professional project delivery across public and private sector work.
SafeContractor
Independently assessed health & safety management.
NHBC
Registered house builder — residential quality & warranty.
CHAS
Verified health & safety, risk & contractor competence.
Constructionline
Silver member — pre-qualified for public-sector work.
TrustMark
Government-endorsed quality for workmanship & customer care.
Chartered & conservation bodies
Our professional team holds membership of the leading chartered institutions, and we work to recognised conservation standards on every heritage project.
Policies, CSR & sustainability
Clear, accountable policies underpin every stage of our work, alongside our commitment to social value and the communities we work in.
Let's discuss your project
Tell us about your build, refurbishment or restoration and we'll arrange a free, no-obligation consultation. We typically reply within one working day.
Our commitment to people, community & place
At Astral Limited, corporate social responsibility is central to the way we work. As a family-run construction and refurbishment company based in Sheerness, we deliver high-quality projects while making a positive contribution to the communities in which we operate.
Creating meaningful social value
Our approach focuses on community involvement, local employment, environmental responsibility and ethical business practices. These four commitments guide how we deliver projects, support our workforce and work with clients and partners.
Hands-on, long-term support
We actively support local initiatives, schools, charities and community groups through volunteered time, labour and materials. We're proud to back two official partner charities whose work aligns with our values of community wellbeing, accessibility and care:
- ✓Sheppey Light Railway Greenway (Charity No. 1216304) — preserving and developing the Greenway as a public footpath and multi-use trail. Astral is a key supporter and organiser, with employees regularly volunteering.
- ✓Santerpaws Bulgarian Rescue (Charity No. 1183401) — rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming dogs in need, and promoting responsible animal care through neutering programmes.
Recent involvement includes a donation of materials for the Minster-in-Sheppey Primary School community garden (2025) and ongoing support for local improvement initiatives.
Work with a contractor that gives back
Tell us about your project and we'll arrange a free, no-obligation consultation. We typically reply within one working day.
Clear, accountable, transparent policies
Our work is guided by clear, accountable and transparent policies that underpin every stage of our operations — reflecting our commitment to quality, safety, compliance and professional integrity, so every project, from minor repairs to major construction works, is delivered to the highest standard.
Committed to Net Zero by 2045
Our Carbon Reduction Plan (version 2.1, October 2026) sets a measured baseline of 40.95 tCO₂e and targets a 45% cut in total emissions by 2029/30, with all diesel vehicles removed from our fleet by 2030. Prepared to PPN 006 and the NHS Net Zero Supplier Roadmap and signed off by the board.
Health & Safety
Safe systems of work, risk assessment and the wellbeing of everyone on our sites.
View document ↗Quality
How we plan, control and review quality to deliver to the highest professional standards.
View document ↗Data Protection & Privacy
Responsible, compliant handling of personal and project information.
View document ↗Modern Slavery
A zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery across our business and supply chain.
View document ↗Environmental & Net Zero
Reducing our environmental impact on every site, with a commitment to Net Zero by 2045.
View document ↗Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
A fair, inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone can thrive (EDIW).
View document ↗Anti-Bribery & Corruption
Honest, transparent and ethical conduct in all our business dealings.
View document ↗CSR / Social Value
Creating positive social value in the communities where we work.
View document ↗Safeguarding
Protecting children and adults at risk on school, healthcare and occupied-home sites, with DBS-checked teams.
View document ↗Policy documents open as PDFs in a new tab. Policies are reviewed at least annually as part of our management systems; the Environmental & Net Zero Policy and Carbon Reduction Plan were last updated in October 2026.
Let's discuss your project
Tell us about your build, refurbishment or restoration and we'll arrange a free, no-obligation consultation. We typically reply within one working day.
Project completions and company news
Updates from our team — recent completions, accreditations and practical guidance for clients and consultants.
St Henry & St Elizabeth Church shortlisted for the London Construction Awards 2026
Our heritage repair and hall refurbishment for the Sheerness parish is a finalist in Excellence in Social Value: Projects. The ceremony is on 25 November at ExCeL London.
Church hall reopens at St Henry & St Elizabeth, Sheerness
Blessed and reopened by the parish after a full refurbishment — accessible WC, new community kitchen, renewed floor, panelling, infrared heating and LED lighting.
Boarers Farm shortlisted for the RICS UK Awards 2026
Our LABC South East winner is now shortlisted in the Residential Development category at the RICS UK Awards 2026, with the national final in October.
Boarers Farm featured by Premier Construction News
From level-access living and integrated ceiling hoists to a dedicated hydrotherapy pool and therapy suite — Premier Construction News tells the story of this accessible forever-home.
Project complete — Canterbury Road Primary School
An old air-raid shelter site transformed into a forest-school learning area with a herb garden, bug hotel, reading seat and tyre hill, delivered within the original budget and timeframe.
Women in Construction Week — spotlight on Sian Jones
Our Apprentice Quantity Surveyor, now in her third year at Level 6 and recently awarded her Level 4, is helping shape the future of Astral.
Congratulations, Dave — SMSTS completed
Dave Bell has completed his latest CITB Site Management Safety Training Scheme qualification, keeping our sites safe, compliant and well run.
Congratulations, Michael — Level 4 apprenticeship passed
Michael Butler has completed his Level 4 Construction Site Supervisor Apprenticeship — a brilliant milestone and very well deserved.
A fantastic night at the LABC Building Excellence Grand Final
We didn't take home the national win, but being shortlisted as national finalists for Boarers Farm is a huge achievement for the whole team and our partners.
Boarers Farm wins LABC Building Excellence Award 2025
Regional winner — Residential: Best Conversion or Alteration to an Existing Home (South East) — and through to the Grand Finals.
Roof complete on our Sittingbourne project
The roof is fully complete, giving the extension its finished shape and making the structure weather-tight. Next: the ground-floor extension.
CPD training with Soluform
The Soluform team visited the office to share their expertise on hand-placed bagwork and environmentally conscious erosion control solutions.
Net zero progress — free e-bikes for our team
Thanks to the KCC Active Travel Business Grant we've provided free e-bikes to support a greener, easier commute as we continue our journey toward net zero.
Supporting the causes close to our Astral family
We back two charities that matter to our team: Sheppey Light Railway Greenway and Santerpaws Bulgarian Rescue.
Stay in the loop
Occasional updates on projects and company news.
Let's discuss your project
Free, no-obligation consultation — we reply within one working day. Whether you're at an early planning stage or ready to proceed, we're happy to talk it through.