Opening doors to the community

Kilo Architects

The Challenge: A Hidden Space, Hidden Potential


Located on Wells Way, The Well is far more than a Sunday worship venue; it is a lively hub offering programs throughout the week, supporting local charities and community groups.

Yet for years, the entrance was hidden behind raised blue metal doors. Many locals walked past without ever knowing what was inside. This invisibility not only created a barrier to access but also undermined the church’s mission as a welcoming civic presence.

The Vision: A Design That Opens, Invites, and Connects


KILO was invited to help make the entrance more open, friendly, and visible. We saw the large brick façade not as a wall, but as a canvas. Now, a warm timber sign glows with the words “The Well,” and the ground floor has been opened up with wide glass doors that let in light and let people see the life happening inside.

We also added a ramp, making it easier for wheelchair users and parents with pushchairs to come and go.


It’s a small change with a big impact.

The Challenge: A Hidden Space, Hidden Potential


Located on Wells Way, The Well is far more than a Sunday worship venue; it is a lively hub offering programs throughout the week, supporting local charities and community groups.

Yet for years, the entrance was hidden behind raised blue metal doors. Many locals walked past without ever knowing what was inside. This invisibility not only created a barrier to access but also undermined the church’s mission as a welcoming civic presence.


The Vision: A Design That Opens, Invites, and Connects


KILO was invited to help make the entrance more open, friendly, and visible. We saw the large brick façade not as a wall, but as a canvas. Now, a warm timber sign glows with the words “The Well,” and the ground floor has been opened up with wide glass doors that let in light and let people see the life happening inside.

We also added a ramp, making it easier for wheelchair users and parents with pushchairs to come and go.

It’s a small change with a big impact.

The Impact: A Beacon of Openness and Community Engagement



  • A bold new sign: charred timber and glowing letters make “The Well” stand out, inviting curiosity and conversation.


  • Glass doors and windows: natural light pours in, and passersby can glimpse the warmth and activity inside.



  • Accessible design: a gentle ramp and covered entrance welcome everyone, no matter their mobility.

The Impact: A Beacon of Openness and Community Engagement



  • A bold new sign: charred timber and glowing letters make “The Well” stand out, inviting curiosity and conversation.


  • Glass doors and windows: natural light pours in, and passersby can glimpse the warmth and activity inside.



  • Accessible design: a gentle ramp and covered entrance welcome everyone, no matter their mobility.

.

The Result? A Space That Welcomes Everyone


Since the changes, the church has seen new faces: people who now feel invited to step in. The congregation has felt proud to host art exhibitions, wedding celebrations, neighbourhood meetings, and shared meals. What was once a hidden entrance is now a visible sign of welcome.

Get in touch, we’d love to hear your story and explore how we can help.


If your church or community space feels hidden or hard to find, we’d love to help you reimagine it. Whether through thoughtful design, bold signage, or creative use of art, we can transform entrances into places that don’t just open, but truly invite.

The Result? A Space That Welcomes Everyone


Since the changes, the church has seen new faces: people who now feel invited to step in. The congregation has felt proud to host art exhibitions, wedding celebrations, neighbourhood meetings, and shared meals. What was once a hidden entrance is now a visible sign of welcome.

What was once a hidden entrance is now a visible sign of welcome.

Get in touch, we’d love to hear your story and explore how we can help


If your church or community space feels hidden or hard to find, we’d love to help you reimagine it. Whether through thoughtful design, bold signage, or creative use of art, we can transform entrances into places that don’t just open, but truly invite.

Reach out, and let’s explore how we can make your space a visible, welcoming presence in the community

The Tiny Gallery

by PH573684 • 3 February 2026
When creativity is integrated into public buildings, it sparks curiosity, invites engagement and, often without us realising, communicates a simple message of welcome. At The Well Church, an underutilised reception space has been reimagined as the “Tiny Gallery”: a new exhibition space in the entrance foyer dedicated to showcasing work by local artists and students from nearby art schools, including Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, University of the Arts London, and Goldsmiths, University of London. KILO has brought together artists and friends to help the church launch this initiative as a meaningful and creative way for the church to engage with emerging artists and the local creative community. The Tiny Gallery launched on 10th January with work by Lizzie Harnden, an interdisciplinary artist working across sculpture, printmaking, photography, and video. We wish the Tiny Gallery every success! 

How churches can shape the UK’s social housing future

by KILO Architects • 27 November 2025
Unlocking Hidden Value As the housing crisis deepens, a powerful yet often overlooked opportunity lies in partnering with the nation’s churches. With deep roots in their communities, access to underused land and a mission grounded in service and compassion, churches are uniquely positioned to help reimagine social housing, not only as shelter for those in need but as a foundation for community regeneration.
Lisa Brooks

Heritage Meets Housing: KILO strengthens its expertise in faith-based housing and regeneration

by Kilo Architects • 19 November 2025
KILO welcomes conservation expert Lisa Brooks, enhancing our heritage work for churches and historic buildings with quinquennial survey and statement of significance expertise.
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