Carrinho de Chá Alto

This tea cart was inspired by British culture, which Aino and Alvar Aalto had come to know through their many travels, as well as the Japanese carpentry and architecture they admired.

With a frame composed of two loops of birch lamellas, the Aalto features two shelves and a solid birch handle. Dual wheels, in combination with the lightweight quality of the birch, mean the stroller can be easily maneuvered and parked at will.

Over the years numerous variations of this Tea Cart have been produced. Dutch designer and color expert Hella Jongerius delved into the Artek archives to offer her own conception of one of Alvar Aalto's most beloved products. His subtle interventions resulted in a dark version of the trolley, which plays with the variable light on the product's upper and lower trays.