I have been using metal strapping at my log joints as my carpentry isn't as good as it could be. If it doesn't look good I can cover it with something, but the metal strapping really tighened down the framing.

The infill for these wall will be some combination of clay-coated straw, straw bale, and cob. Exact details aren't know yet, we'll just have to see how I feel when I get there.