I am in the process of building my home and have a number of steel beams which I would like to frame in to create a log-cabin effect.  There are both horizontal beams spanning the length of the “great room” and vertical beams supporting the upstairs loft and roofline.

I have spoken with various carpenters/self-builders who have recommended the following options:

1) Bolt wood to the inside of the H-beam then use that wood to connect lengths of timber (creating a square beam effect)

2) Season then split and hollow genuine logs, then secure those to the beams (creating a naturally rounded beam effect)

I would like a natural effect, but have limited resources and experience.  What would you suggest as being something managable?