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We planted trees before building the house — so they could grow into shade.
Rice Barn
Nanuanchun Farm house
It has weathered three cycles of heat, rain, and storms, causing one of the northwest-facing pillars to tilt slightly due to strong winds from that direction.
Still, the structure remains solid and safe.
This year, we are finally ready to bring the house to completion (hopefully!).
The trees we once planted are now big enough to offer shade for the home.
#AHomeThatGrowsWithUs
Nothing is perfect. Growth always comes with blemishes and stories.
Since 2021
“If you want a tree to grow, you must start planting it today.”
Building a house follows the same principle. We built it according to our life’s circumstances and the budget available — just like how people in the old days built homes with what they had.
They started small, enough for shelter, and expanded gradually as resources allowed.
Homes weren’t built all at once.
A Small Beginning
We began by planting seeds found by the roadside and in nearby areas — a humble beginning, but something we could do immediately. Some trees were grown from seeds; others were bought inexpensively.
“Building a house is like planting a tree — growing slowly, step by step.”
Planting Trees as the Roof
In the early days of my working life, I used a modest amount of savings to buy trees — each costing about 35 baht.
Most were native species:
Pradoo, Maka, Mai Daeng, Yang Na, Kan Krao, Payom, Phayung, Indian gooseberry, Java plum, Flame tree, Kra Phee Khao Khwai, Teak, and more.
These trees are well-adapted to local conditions and help retain soil moisture.
They provide shelter for soil microbes, native fungi, birds, and insects, all familiar with these tree types.
I’ve been planting since high school.
Gradually, a once-arid plot turned lush and green.
The trees grew taller — now dozens of times their original size — ready to become a living roof over the house.
A House Just Right for Us — Like a Bird Building a Nest
We dreamed of living in a certain kind of environment, so we built that environment first. Only then did we begin building a home when the surroundings felt right.
After considering my life circumstances and resources, I realized a small house would suit me best.
Since I had access to my grandparents’ land and timber stored from our old ancestral home, I designed the house using what was available.
We built a tall, airy roof inspired by traditional rice barns.
Materials were sourced locally, and village craftsmen helped with construction, maximizing the use of what we had.
The first and most essential phase was the structural frame — pillars and roofing — which cost 45,000 baht, including labor.
Vernacular Architecture
Building a Home Where It Belongs
The house was built by Uncle Hon, a local carpenter who’s built many homes and rice barns in the village.
He specializes in woodworking — a perfect match for this house.
Together, we selected each timber piece individually, considering its strength and purpose. Some were hardwood, ideal for structural beams and supports; others were better for rafters and joists.
Working with wood is different from using steel or factory-made materials.
Each piece has its unique character.
That’s the charm of handcrafted wooden construction.
A Home That Grows With Us
Now, three years since the roofing structure first went up, the house has endured sun, wind, and rain over three full seasons. During that time, the trees matured.
And so did I.
In 2024, we’re adding walls, doors, and windows to protect future dwellers.
The trees now provide real shade and a cool, welcoming atmosphere.
This is becoming a safe and peaceful refuge — a place nestled in the kind of environment I’ve always dreamed of living in.
This is about to become what we can truly call:
The Home of Nanuanchun.
Hi, I wanted to say that the work that’s going into the farm and the level of care is tremendous.
I love what you are doing and you’re my inspiration – I hope that we can meet one day
My family is from Isaan region and reading the blog posts and following your journey has made me really proud of who I am and I hope I can come back soon to build something that’s similar. Using local knowledge, with people and the land
Keep up the great work!
Thank you so much. I’m glad to read your message. Thank you for the positive energy. I’m happy to meet people with similar interests and pride in being Isan. I’ll keep doing it. I’d like to invite you to visit my farm.