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

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Welcoming Dean to the team

22 October 2025
Dean joins KIL O as an associate! We’re excited to announce Dean’s promotion to Associate at KIL O Architects! Since joining us a year ago, Dean has brought a rich mix of architectural expertise, project management and community leadership. He’s fitted right in, contributing extensive experience, a generous network and a shared vision for spaces that serve and inspire. Dean’s journey spans leading his own practice (with clients like Tesco, M&S, ASDA, and Sainsbury’s), Senior Design Manager roles at Carillion and Morrisons Construction (Galliford Try) and over a decade as a church pastor overseeing its key stages of redevelopment. Now back in architecture, Dean brings fresh energy to designing spaces that help communities flourish, perfectly aligned with KIL O ’s mission
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