We’re very pleased to introduce the newest member to the Adaptavate team, Lana!

Lana looking good in her fresh Adaptavate overalls.

Joining our growing technical department, Lana comes to us directly from Bath University and brings with her an abundance of knowledge from five years studying for a master’s degree in Civil and Architectural Engineering as well as the extensive knowledge she’s gained as a Passivhaus designer. She also has the accolade of becoming the company’s first female team member! We hope she’ll set the trend for more to follow!

Welcome to the team, Lana…what is it that’s brought you to come and work at Adaptavate?

Hey! So I’ve always been passionate about sustainability and the environment and with my interest in buildings, what’s happening at Adaptavate seems right up my street!

An MSc in Civil and Architectural Engineering at Bath University and a Passivhaus designer, congratulations, that’s quite something! You must be really pleased. Do you think this sets you up well for your technical role here?

Already I’m seeing things that I’ve learnt about at university being used in practice, which is great and I really hope I’ll be able to contribute some knowledge!

You’re obviously interested in the Passivhaus standard. What appealed to you most about studying this and do you think this is the gold standard for construction in the UK?

I really like the fabric first approach and aim to minimise energy use, but for my ‘perfect building’ there’s definitely other things to consider such as material source and renewable energy use.

Passivhaus is well known for its super insulated, high-tech buildings. Do you think there is a place in there for natural materials and natural building technologies?

Yes, I think there is and I would really like to see more of a focus on this in the standard, so hopefully that will develop. With the endless benefits, to me it seems silly not to use natural products and technologies!

Joining our technical team, you’ll be working to develop the science behind our products to validate their high performance and get them to market . What does a normal day look like to you?

So far I’ve been doing a mix of desk based research and report writing as well as more hands on making and testing. It’s a bit of a mix and I feel that no day will be the same, which is great!

Now for a few fun questions…        

We hear you’re soon off to France for a well-deserved post-study break! What holiday outdoor adventures have you got planned?

I think there’ll be lots of walking, kayaking and river swimming. And probably wine tasting too!

So, you’re clearly into your outdoor activities…do you play any sports too?

I like to go running and attempt at playing tennis

And you’re clearly into travelling…what’s been the best place you’ve travelled to so far?

Probably the Philippines, which was absolutely beautiful. Not just the beaches, but the mountains too. Diving was the best bit – I was lucky enough to dive in shipwrecks and this was just incredible.

Holiday snaps…the mountains and the beaches in the Philippines.

And if you could visit anywhere in the world you’ve never been, where would you go?

Nepal and India are next on my list!

What other interests do you have?

I really love cooking and am a big festival fan.

Favourite food/dish?

Anything with eggs is delicious!

Favourite film?

Oh, that’s a tough one. I saw Ladybird recently and loved it, so that’s at the top of my list for now.